He says it is necessary to give adequate representation to all sections of society

Stating that there was no upper limit for reservation for backward classes in the Constitution, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that the State government will increase this reservation from the current 50% to 70%.

Addressing an awareness programme organised by the Kuruhina Shetty Mahasabha here on Sunday, Mr. Siddararmaiah said increasing the upper reservation limit was necessary to provide adequate representation to all sections of society.

“The Constitution has not fixed an upper limit for reservation for backward classes. There is only a Supreme Court ruling capping it at 50%. However, Tamil Nadu government has increased it to 69%. Recently, the Telangana government also increased it over 50% . Similarly, we will also increase it to 70% to match the population of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

The increase in the reservation will not affect the upper castes in any way, he said.

“Some people say this increase will affect the upper castes. There is no truth in the argument. In Tamil Nadu, the reservation has been fixed at 69%. Has such a move affected the upper castes in that State?” he asked.

Further, Mr. Siddaramaiah said his government was contemplating allotting sites in Bengaluru for all backward classes to set up education institutions and hostels.

“I have listed 35-40 castes, which need land in the capital. I have identified suitable land for such communities. Each will get one to three acres of land depending on the requirement. The State Cabinet will soon take a decision in this regard,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said. He also announced ₹2 crore for the educational activities of the Kuruhina Shetty Mahasabha.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Hassan district in-charge Minister A. Manju, and others were present on the occasion.