K'taka govt meets Dalit leaders, announces steps to fill backlog vacancies
Bengaluru, July 21
The Karnataka government on Tuesday held an extensive meeting with leaders of various Dalit organisations at Vidhana Soudha, during which Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara announced that backlog vacancies in universities and major government departments would be filled.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Parameshwara said the state government is already in the process of recruiting 72,000 personnel across departments and assured that Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates would receive reservations as mandated by law. He added that unfilled reserved posts would also be taken up separately.
"We will fill backlog vacancies in universities and major departments. I will discuss the matter with the Chief Minister and ensure that these positions are filled," Parameshwara said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said leaders of Dalit organisations had raised several issues concerning scholarships, implementation of welfare schemes, land allocation, employment opportunities, and alleged injustices faced by members of the SC/ST communities.
Regarding scholarships, Parameshwara said the government would examine demands to increase financial assistance for SC/ST students. He noted that post-matric scholarship recipients currently receive Rs 1,800, while many students incur expenses of nearly Rs 3,000.
"The government scholarship amount is inadequate. We will discuss the matter with the Chief Minister and consider increasing it in the next budget," he said.
He also said complaints had been received that women from Dalit communities were not fully benefiting from the state's guarantee schemes. "We will collect district-wise and taluk-wise information and take corrective measures wherever Dalit women have been left out of these schemes," he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister further assured action on concerns raised by nomadic and tribal communities regarding alleged harassment by forest officials and promised to examine demands to streamline the implementation of the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).
Parameshwara said Dalit leaders had also highlighted issues in the allocation of industrial land by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and sought better access to housing layouts and loans through the Karnataka State Financial Corporation (KSFC).
In a significant announcement, the minister revealed that the Revenue Department had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine allegations that nearly 150 acres of land belonging to SC/ST communities are under the control of Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
"The SIT will verify whether 150 acres belonging to SC/ST communities were acquired. The investigation will be headed by Bengaluru Divisional Commissioner Aditya Amalan Biswas," he said, adding that the decision coincidentally came on the same day the issue was raised during the meeting.
Parameshwara also said the government is considering special recruitment measures for highly qualified candidates from tribal communities, including 12 PhD holders who are currently unemployed.
Responding to questions on Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs), the Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that there is a clear distinction between citizenship and residency certificates.
Commenting on the alleged attack on officials during the Shivajinagar encroachment removal drive, the Deputy Chief Minister said strict action would be taken against those responsible.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move by Parameshwara ji. But I'm skeptical about the SIT on Art of Living land - these investigations often drag on for years without real action. Also, the scholarship increase from Rs 1800 to 3000 is peanuts in today's economy. Students need at least Rs 5000-6000 for genuine expenses.
As someone who works in Karnataka's education sector, I can tell you the backlog vacancies are massive - some departments have 40-50% positions unfilled for years. This is a welcome step but they need a time-bound action plan, not just announcements. Also, the 12 PhD holders from tribal communities need immediate absorption - such talent shouldn't be wasted.
Happy to see the government acknowledging issues faced by Dalit women regarding guarantee schemes. We need taluk-level data collection to ensure no one is left behind. But I wish they'd also address the rampant caste discrimination in rural areas that prevents access to these schemes. Just filling vacancies isn't enough without changing ground realities. 🙏
Impressive to see state governments taking affirmative action seriously. In the US, our affirmative action programs have been heavily curtailed by the Supreme Court. India's reservation system, while imperfect, does provide a framework for addressing historical inequities. Hope the implementation matches the intent here.
The SIT on Art of Living land is interesting timing - same day the issue is raised? 🤔 Either way, if 150 acres of SC/ST land is indeed under someone else's control, that's a serious matter. Hope the investigation is transparent and quick. Also, the harassment by forest officials of nomadic communities needs immediate action - these are our fellow citizens, not criminals.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.