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ST quota back at 3% raises concerns over proportional representation
Ahead of a large recruitment drive in Karnataka, the government reverted ST reservation to 3% from a proposed 7%. The move contrasts with a long history of changing ST classifications and reservations driven by amendments, court directions, and a 2022 Act expanding quotas.
Why It Matters
The decision affects ST representation in government jobs and education, raising questions about proportional representation relative to population.
Timeline
8 Events
May 13, 2026: ST quota restored to 3% ahead of recruitment drive
May 13, 2026
On May 13, 2026, the Karnataka government decided to revert ST reservation to 3% from 7% ahead of a recruitment drive to fill 56,432 posts.
2022 Act expands SC/ST reservations
2022
In 2022, Karnataka enacted an Act providing 7% ST reservation and 17% SC reservation.
2015 High Court directive on ST reservations
2015
In 2015, the Karnataka High Court directed the state government to consider increasing ST reservation.
Post-1991 inclusion of Naikas, Valmikis, Bedas
1991
After 1991, the Centre included Naikas, Valmikis, and Bedas in the ST list, among 51 tribes, widening the ST population base.
1976 amendment; removal of geographical limits
1976
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 1976 removed geographical limitations for castes/tribes, leading to an increase in the ST population.
3% ST reservation fixed in 1958
1958
In 1958, the state fixed the ST reservation at 3% based on the population at that time.
3% ST reservation noted in 1955
1955
A 3% ST reservation was provided in 1955, described in the article as far less than the ST population at that time.
Original ST list in 1950 and its small share
1950
In 1950, Karnataka's original ST list consisted of six tribes; the population was estimated at about 0.8% based on the 1931 census.