Protests Demand Implementation of Internal Reservation

Swift Summary

• Various organizations staged protest marches and demonstrations in Dharwad demanding immediate implementation of internal reservation for Scheduled Castes.
• Protesters from teh Madiga Internal Reservation Struggle Committee accused the Karnataka government of neglecting social justice and following anti-Madiga policies.
• Some protesters shaved their heads intending to send the hair as a symbolic protest to the Chief Minister. Police intervened, leading to heated arguments and preventive custody of several protesters (released later).
• The protesters claimed Karnataka had not implemented internal reservations like states such as Haryana, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh despite directions from the Supreme Court.
• Allegations were made against the State government for not providing necessary data to Justice Nagamohan Das Commission and discarding findings of previous reports like Kantharaj commission’s Socio-economic Survey.
• Protesters demanded clarity on internal reservation policy before August 11 legislature session start.
• A separate motorcycle rally by SC/ST Pourakarmika Employees Association culminated in semi-naked protests,mock funerals for the State government,head-shaving events,and memorandum submission to Deputy Commissioner divya Prabhu G.R.J., who promised forwarding appeals.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The protests reflect frustrations within marginalized communities regarding delayed or non-compliance with Supreme Court directives on internal reservations. While other states have reportedly implemented similar policies to address caste disparities in employment opportunities, Karnataka’s perceived lack of action has sparked allegations of neglect towards Madiga community members. Issues raised about government transparency concerning reports like those by Kantharaj commission further complicate confidence in policymaking processes.

This situation raises broader concerns about equitable access and depiction within state institutions-a principle foundational to social justice movements helmed by leaders like Ambedkar himself. Timely resolution could avoid escalating tensions while ensuring alignment with constitutional mandates on affirmative action.

Read more: Indian Opinion News