Reservation for the Panchamasali community: Meeting held by CM Siddaramaiah

Bangalore:key points from the meeting held by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with a delegation led by Jayamrityunjaya Swamiji regarding reservation for the Panchamasali community.

* The Chief Minister stated that a decision regarding the demand for reservation under Category 2A for the Panchamasali Lingayat community will be made in accordance with the law and the spirit of the Constitution.

* The government has an open mind on the issue of reservation. Our government stands for social justice, and it is our stance that justice should be available to all marginalized groups.

* There is a permanent backward classes commission, and its final recommendations have not yet reached us. Due to the election code of conduct, discussions will be held with the Advocate General, the legal department, and experts before any action is taken. No decisions can be made at this time.

* Actions will be taken in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution. Any decisions made will be carried out honestly according to the law.

* I had previously advised community leaders that proposals regarding reservation should be submitted to the permanent backward classes commission, and actions should be taken based on its recommendations. Any decision should be just and acceptable to everyone, including the courts.

* The previous government made decisions to create new categories 2C and 2D based on your requests. The proposal to include the Okkaligas in 2C from 3A and to include Lingayats in 2D from 3B was left pending. The Muslim reservation was removed, and when Muslims challenged this in the Supreme Court, the state government agreed to maintain the status quo. Hence, this case is still in court.

* The Chief Minister noted that the election code of conduct is currently in effect, but a meeting with community leaders has been held as per prior arrangements.

* The Panchamasali community is currently classified under Category 3B. Reservations and benefits are available for Lingayats and their sub-categories under this classification. The delegation insisted on including the Panchamasalis under Category 2A.

* Due to the lack of suitable reservations, students from the community are being deprived of higher education. The delegation appealed for social justice by including the Panchamasali community in Category 2A, especially since they comprise many agricultural workers.

* Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, ministers Laxmi Hebbalkar, Shivraj Tangadgi, legislators, and senior government officials were present at the meeting.