The ongoing Socio-Economic and Educational Survey in Bengaluru has been met with widespread resistance, with more than 15 per cent of households reportedly refusing to participate. Entire apartment complexes have denied access to enumerators, creating major hurdles for the data collection process.

In several areas, including Banashankari, enumerators reported visiting multiple times without success. Out of 30 flats in one complex, only two residents agreed to provide information. Officials described a pattern of apathy and hostility spreading across the city.

Enumerators said that many citizens, particularly those who had migrated from other states and were not directly connected to Karnataka’s welfare schemes, showed disinterest or anger when approached. In some cases, surveyors were subjected to verbal abuse, with residents dismissing their work as unnecessary.

With less than 40 per cent of the work completed in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has extended the deadline for the survey from October 24 to October 31. The state government has also declared a short break for enumerators from October 21 to 23 for the Deepavali festival.

Survey officials cited technical problems and software updates during the survey as additional reasons for the delay. They recalled that a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court had directed states three decades ago to identify backward classes, emphasizing that such a task was not possible without citizen cooperation.

Justice Nagamohan Das urged residents to view participation in the survey as a civic duty and a step towards inclusive development, reminding them of the importance of contributing to accurate data collection.

(Source: The New Indian Express)

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A panchayat development officer in Karnataka was suspended for attending a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary event, triggering a political clash between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.

The officer, Praveen Kumar K.P., serving in Sirwar taluk of Raichur district, participated in an RSS route march in Lingsugur on 12 October 2025, wearing the organisation’s uniform and carrying a stick. The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department suspended him on Friday, citing violations of service conduct rules.

According to the suspension order issued by IAS officer Arundhati Chandrashekar, Kumar’s participation breached Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which requires government employees to maintain political neutrality, integrity, and conduct consistent with the dignity of public service. The order stated that his actions were “inconsistent with the standards expected of a public servant.” Kumar will remain under suspension with subsistence allowance pending a departmental inquiry.

The suspension comes days after the state government introduced rules requiring prior permission for all organisations, including the RSS, to hold public events. The move followed Minister Priyank Kharge’s call to restrict RSS activities in government spaces such as schools and colleges.

I have spoken to the officer suspended for taking part in RSS Pathsanchalan by the State Government.

Assured him that I will personally appear before the concerned tribunal and courts to challenge this illegal and unlawful suspension.

There are multiple judgements from across… pic.twitter.com/mQF8cKLLZm

— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) October 18, 2025

It is noteworthy that in July 2024, the central government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party lifted a decades-old ban on government employees participating in activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The order shared by many political leaders from all political parties read, “The undersigned is directed to refer to the OM (office memorandum)..dated 30.11.1966, OM No. 7/4/70-Est.(B) dated 25.07.1970 and OM No. 15014/3(S)/80- Estt. (B) dated 28.10.1980 on the above subject. 2. The aforesaid instructions have been reviewed and it has been decided to remove the mention of Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh (R.S.S.S) from the impugned OMs dated 30.11.1966, 25.07.1970, and 28.10.1980.”

Echoes from A 1966 Judicial Verdict

The current suspension stands in stark contrast to a landmark 1966 judgment by the Mysore High Court in Ranganathachar Agnihotri v. State of Mysore. In that case, the court had ruled decisively in favor of a government servant’s right to RSS membership.

The 1966 case involved Mr. Agnihotri, who had secured the 14th rank in the Munsiff’s competitive examination but was denied appointment solely because he was “an active member and organiser of the local RSS unit.” The state government had then argued, much like its current position, that RSS’s tenets were “subversive and secretive and opposed to secularism.”

However, the High Court, after examining the RSS Constitution and various documents, found no evidence to support these allegations. Justice Sadasivayya, in his ruling, noted that the RSS was not a banned organization and its constitution expressly stated it had “no politics” and was devoted to “purely cultural work.”

The court categorically held that “mere membership of the RSS cannot make a person unsuitable for judicial service” and that “suitability must be judged on character and conduct, not on ideological association.” The judges directed the state to appoint Agnihotri as Munsiff, ruling that the government’s decision was based on “irrelevant considerations” and violated constitutional principles.

Contrasting Approaches

The 1966 judgment established several key principles that appear challenged by the current suspension:

Membership vs. Active Participation: While the current case involves active participation in uniform, the 1966 court made no distinction between mere membership and active organization, protecting both.

Evidence Requirement: The historic judgment required concrete evidence that an organization’s activities were unconstitutional, which the government failed to provide then and hasn’t addressed now.

Individual Conduct: The court emphasized that suitability must be determined by individual character and conduct rather than organizational affiliation.

Justice Sadasivayya observed that while the Government had the power to assess suitability, such discretion “cannot be formed arbitrarily but must rest on relevant considerations.” Since no adverse conduct or criminal antecedents were attributed to Agnihotri, the reliance on his alleged RSS association was deemed irrelevant.

The Court directed the State to appoint Agnihotri as Munsiff, placing him above respondents 2–8 in seniority, subject to medical fitness, and awarded costs of ₹200 against the Government.

While upholding the validity of Rule 4(2), the judgment clarified that the Government’s discretion under the rule must be exercised on relevant and objective grounds. The ruling established that association with a non-banned cultural body, without evidence of misconduct or anti-state activity, cannot by itself justify denial of appointment to a judicial office.

Ranganathachar Agnihotri v. State of Mysore (1966):

1. The State rejected the petitioner’s appointment because he was an active member of RSS, alleging it was “subversive, secretive and opposed to secularism.”
2. The Court found no evidence supporting these allegations.
3. RSS… pic.twitter.com/rVcDvHosrO

— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) October 21, 2025

(Source: NDTV)

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A social media post by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah celebrating two world records for the state has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the authenticity of the recognition. The Chief Minister had announced that Karnataka had entered the global stage with two historic achievements certified by the London Book of World Records — one for the Shakti Scheme marking 564.10 crore free bus rides availed by women, and another for the KSRTC as the most award-winning road transport corporation with 464 honours since 1997.

In his post, Siddaramaiah said these recognitions symbolised social justice, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance. However, critics have claimed the awards are not internationally recognised and that the London Book of World Records is not a legitimate global institution. He wrote, “Karnataka enters the global stage with two historic world records – certified by the London Book of World Records. Shakti Scheme: Largest number of free bus rides availed by women – 564.10 crore journeys, empowering everyday mobility. KSRTC: Most award-winning road transport corporation in the world – 464 national & international honours since 1997. Our governance vision is rooted in social justice, women’s empowerment, and world-class public service. These recognitions are a reflection of what inclusive and compassionate policymaking can achieve.”

Karnataka enters the global stage with two historic world records – certified by the London Book of World Records.

Shakti Scheme: Largest number of free bus rides availed by women – 564.10 crore journeys, empowering everyday mobility.

KSRTC: Most award-winning road transport… pic.twitter.com/diKrLJKfpj

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) October 16, 2025

Was It A Real Award?

What is interesting in the organisation’s website is that it lists several purchasable “award packages,” ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹10,000, with certificates, medals, trophies, and optional news video releases. The listings also specify that payments are accepted only through online banking, further raising questions about the legitimacy of the awards.

Critics also noted that the certificate wording reads “in Karnataka” rather than “in the world,” suggesting that the award’s claim to world-record status is misleading.

Fact-checkers and political opponents alleged that the company behind the awards was dissolved in the United Kingdom and now operates from India.

How Congress Fools Public

Karnataka CM @siddaramaiah claims Karnataka Govt has got some prestigious “World Records”

Name of the Award is “London Book of Records”

Company has been dissolved in UK. Its corporate office is in India, phone number also of India.

What’s Hilarious… pic.twitter.com/HIrCJRgSej

— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) October 17, 2025

Reminds One Of The ‘UNESCO Award’ Claim for EVR

Observers have compared the Karnataka government’s “London Book of World Records” episode with an earlier controversy from Tamil Nadu surrounding the so-called “UNESCO Award” given to social reformer E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar). For decades, it was widely propagated in Tamil Nadu that Periyar was conferred the title “Socrates of South-East Asia” by UNESCO, a claim repeated in school textbooks and public service exam materials.

However, an official email clarification from UNESCO’s Delhi office confirmed that no such award or title was ever given to E.V. Ramasamy. The award was, in fact, presented by late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi in the presence of Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani, and not by UNESCO.

Critics pointed out that even the fabricated award title contained geographical inaccuracies, as India falls under South Asia and not the South-East Asia region referenced in the award.

Both allies – the DMK and the Congress have been building narratives around unverifiable or misleading accolades to bolster ideological or governance claims – the London Book of World Records recognition claimed by the Karnataka government and the UNESCO award myth associated with Periyar are perfect examples.

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The Karnataka Congress government has ordered that Dalits who convert to Buddhism will continue to be eligible for Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates for purposes of employment and education. The social welfare department said the order applies to individuals from any of the 101 Scheduled Castes who choose to adopt Buddhism.

According to the department, SC individuals converting to Buddhism should be permitted to indicate their religion as “Buddhism” when applying for caste certificates. Similarly, those who become Buddhists may list their religion as “Buddhism” in school and college academic records.

The department noted that the Union government had allowed Dalits converting to Buddhism to obtain SC certificates as far back as 1990. Based on this directive, the Karnataka government had issued a circular in 2013. In 2016, the Union government had instructed chief secretaries of all states to ensure that Dalits adopting Buddhism are granted SC certificates.

The social welfare department said that despite these circulars, several organisations had petitioned the government seeking clarity and an appropriate order on the matter. The latest directive addresses these concerns.

The order comes at a time when Karnataka Congress government is conducting a Social & Educational Survey, also known as a caste census. The state had recently carried out a separate survey covering Scheduled Castes for the purpose of sub-classification or internal reservation.

Buddhists are recognised as a religious minority in Karnataka, alongside Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Zoroastrians (Parsis), and Jains. According to the 2011 Census, the state had around 95,000 Buddhists.

The Congress government clarified that in Karnataka, Buddhists fall under OBC Category-2A with a 15 per cent reservation. Christians and Jains are classified under Category-3B with a 5 per cent reservation, while Muslims are included in Category-2B with a 4 per cent reservation.

The department’s order therefore formalises the rights of SC Dalits converting to Buddhism, ensuring their continued access to the benefits associated with Scheduled Caste status.

(With inputs from Deccan Herald)

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In a decision that has drawn intense political scrutiny, the Congress-led government in Karnataka has moved to withdraw 62 criminal cases, many of which involve its political supporters, individuals linked to communal unrest, and activists aligned with Ambedkarite ideologies.

On 4 September 2025, the state formally cleared the withdrawal of cases tied to the 2019 Chittapur stone-pelting episode as well as protests that erupted following the Enforcement Directorate’s arrest of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. In addition, cases connected to disturbances during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and recent demonstrations in Shivamogga have also been dropped.

This latest wave of case withdrawals has stirred controversy, particularly because the move reportedly ignored strong objections from the Home Department, senior police officials, and legal advisors. Despite concerns raised by the Director General of Police, the Director of Prosecutions, and the Law Department who collectively advised that these cases lacked merit for withdrawal and did not serve public interest, the government went ahead with its decision.

One particularly contentious withdrawal involves a 2019 case in Chittapur where a group of young men allegedly pelted stones at police officers after a tip-off from Hindu activists about illegal cattle transport. The request to drop this case reportedly came from IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge. Similarly, the government has dismissed charges against supporters of D.K. Shivakumar who were accused of damaging public property, including buses and government offices, in Kanakapura during protests over his 2019 arrest. In another instance, cases against those backing Shivakumar’s brother, D.K. Suresh, were also scrapped. These pertained to a 2012 protest where Suresh’s supporters surrounded the then-Chief Minister over being excluded from a ceremonial event honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

The pattern of leniency continues with cases dropped against those involved in disruptions during Ganesh Chaturthi processions in various districts such as Ramanagara and Koppal. In some of these incidents, participants were accused of misconduct towards law enforcement officers or violating event regulations, including organizing prohibited activities like ram fights. Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra is believed to have advocated for these withdrawals.

Further, the government has erased records related to four cases from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district, linked to 2023 protests over the BJP government’s decision on internal reservations for Scheduled Caste communities. In total, three petitions filed by Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara and government Chief Whip Ashok Pattan led to additional case dismissals.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil confirmed the action, stating that the administration has annulled around 60 government-initiated cases, including those against farmers, student protestors, and Kannada activists, across multiple police jurisdictions.

This is not the first instance of the Congress administration facing backlash for similar decisions. Back in October 2024, the Siddaramaiah-led government attempted to revoke charges against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leaders and others involved in the 2022 Hubballi riots. The incident had seen a large group allegedly mobilized by Muslim leaders attacking the Old Hubballi police station, pelting stones at officers and damaging nearby properties, including a temple and a hospital. The proposed withdrawal was eventually overturned by the Karnataka High Court after a PIL was filed by advocate Girish Bhardwaj.

Despite repeated objections from legal and law enforcement authorities, the Congress government has persisted in dropping cases, many of which involve individuals aligned with or supportive of the party. This has prompted fierce criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the government of politicizing justice and undermining law and order for electoral gain.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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Sivaganga MP and Congress leader Karti Chidambaram has voiced strong concern over the Karnataka Congress government’s decision to expand its stray dog feeding initiative, managed by the Animal Husbandry Department of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The program, which initially tied up with hotels and restaurants to provide food for street dogs, is now moving towards a vendor-based model, with a proposed budget of ₹2 crore to feed over 5,000 stray dogs daily across Bengaluru’s eight zones.

Taking to his social media platform X, Karti expressed his disapproval, stating, “Is this true? Dogs have no place in the streets. They need to be relocated to shelters, where they can be fed, vaccinated & sterilised. Feeding & keeping them in a free roaming state in the streets is a huge health & safety hazard.”

Is this true? Dogs have no place in the streets. They need to be relocated to shelters, where they can be fed, vaccinated & sterilised. Feeding & keeping them in a free roaming state in the streets is a huge health & safety hazard. https://t.co/plODiKMJDZ

— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) July 10, 2025

His comments came in response to BBMP’s reported success with the first phase of its ‘Bite-Free Locality’ campaign, launched on 17 October 2023. The initiative began by feeding around 150 stray dogs across ten city locations and soon scaled up to 28 constituencies and 135 feeding points, with over 100 hotels and eateries collaborating with BBMP to provide food.

Now, BBMP plans to shift from restaurant partnerships to third-party vendor-cooked meals, designed by veterinarians to meet nutritional needs. Special Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore confirmed that an action plan has been submitted to the BBMP Commissioner and once approved, tenders will be floated within a month.

“We aim to scale the program by ensuring consistency through vendor-prepared food across all zones,” Kishore stated.

The earlier model relied on BBMP marshals collecting leftover food from hotels and handing it over to pourakarmikas (sanitation workers) for distribution. In the upcoming phase, PKs will handle food delivery directly, creating a more streamlined system. Signboards at feeding locations will continue to display food and water stations for community awareness.

Sadhana Hegde, founder of Sahavarthin Animal Welfare Trust, which supports BBMP in the project, acknowledged that while the restaurant-based model helped build community involvement, logistical issues surfaced in certain localities. The switch to centralized food preparation is expected to improve monitoring and ensure regular feeding, especially in areas where local feeders allegedly face harassment.

“BBMP’s direct involvement sets a strong precedent. The goal is to make feeding efforts more reliable and to support volunteers working in challenging environments,” Hegde noted.

Despite initial success, the expansion has triggered debates, particularly around safety concerns and the increasing number of stray dogs in urban areas. Karti Chidambaram’s remarks have reignited the conversation about whether feeding free-roaming dogs on the streets is a sustainable solution or whether shelter-based care and sterilization should take priority.

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The Karnataka unit of the Indian National Congress drew flak on Wednesday 7 May 2025 after posting — and then deleting — a quote by Mahatma Gandhi promoting peace on social media, shortly after the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The now-deleted post on platform X featured a quote attributed to Gandhi: “The most powerful weapon of mankind is peace – Mahatma Gandhi.” The timing of the post raised eyebrows, as it came within hours of the Indian armed forces striking nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting alleged terror infrastructure.

Following backlash and criticism over perceived insensitivity or mixed messaging, the Congress’ Karnataka unit issued a new post aligning firmly with the national sentiment and military response. “The Indian Air Force, widely recognised as one of the world’s strongest air forces gave a befitting reply to the cowardly #PahalgamTerroristAttack. We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. #OperationSindoor,” the Congress stated.

The Indian Air Force (IAF), widely recognised as one of the world's strongest air forces gave a befitting reply to the cowardly #PahalgamTerroristAttack

We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. #OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/NnkFjr9MEq

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) May 7, 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also released a series of messages on X, strongly backing the Indian armed forces. “I salute the extraordinary courage of our armed forces behind Operation Sindhoor. Their heroic action reaffirms that India will never tolerate terror in any form. The brutal attack in Pahalgam was not just on innocent lives, it was an assault on the dreams and spirit of India. Every effort of our brave soldiers is a pledge to bring justice to the victims, their families, and to every Indian who believes in peace and humanity. Karnataka joins the nation in expressing unwavering solidarity with our forces. We are proud of your valour, sacrifice, and unflinching commitment to protect our sovereignty. Terror has no place in our land. India will respond with strength and unity.”

I salute the extraordinary courage of our armed forces behind Operation Sindhoor. Their heroic action reaffirms that India will never tolerate terror in any form.

The brutal attack in Pahalgam was not just on innocent lives, it was an assault on the dreams and spirit of India.…

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 7, 2025

Echoing these sentiments, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar posted: “#OperationSindoor is a befitting reply to the cowardly Pahalgam terror attack. We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. Jai Hind.”

#OperationSindoor is a befitting reply to the cowardly Pahalgam terror attack.

We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces.

Jai Hind. pic.twitter.com/55vsj1rpbE

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 7, 2025

(With inputs from India Today)

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The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is poised to expand its flagship dairy brand Nandini to the national capital, New Delhi. However, the announcement has reignited debates about the Karnataka Congress’s previous opposition to Amul’s entry into the state, sparking allegations of political double standards. This development comes months after a high-profile controversy over Amul’s entry into Karnataka, which saw political parties and cultural groups fiercely opposing the Gujarat-based cooperative’s expansion into the state.

While the Congress-led Karnataka government seeks to expand Nandini’s footprint into new markets, protests against its entry into Kerala have further complicated the narrative, highlighting the intersection of politics, business, and identity in India’s cooperative dairy sector.

Nandini’s Expansion Amid Past Controversy

Nandini’s entry into the competitive North Indian dairy market has been welcomed as a bold business move. The Karnataka government aims to increase the brand’s visibility and market share across India by offering fresh products such as milk and curd in Delhi. Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) plans to introduce Nandini’s fresh dairy products, such as milk and curd, to the Delhi market. This marks the brand’s first major foray into North India, positioning it in direct competition with the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation’s (GCMMF) Amul brand.

This ambitious plan comes just a year after the Congress-led Karnataka government fiercely opposed Amul’s entry into Karnataka. The opposition turned into a statewide campaign, positioning the issue as a matter of Kannada pride. Congress leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, argued that Amul’s expansion would harm Nandini, which they described as an emotional symbol for the people of Karnataka.

At the time, protests led by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a group promoting Kannada identity, further escalated the controversy. Videos of activists protesting against Amul milk outside stores went viral, with slogans demanding the preservation of Nandini’s dominance in the state. The Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government of facilitating Amul’s entry to undermine Karnataka’s dairy industry.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike protests to oppose the sale of Amul milk in Karnataka & encourage Nandini products. pic.twitter.com/LQThDsaswY

— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2023

The same leaders who once decried Amul’s entry into Karnataka as an existential threat to Nandini now advocate for Nandini’s national expansion. Critics have pointed out the apparent double standard, asking whether the same concerns about protecting local brands will apply as Nandini enters new territories. Observers argue that politicizing Amul’s entry in 2023 was a calculated electoral strategy aimed at leveraging Kannadiga pride ahead of the state assembly elections.

The Amul-Nandini Controversy

The roots of the Amul-Nandini row can be traced to a statement made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in December 2022 during the inauguration of a dairy in Mandya, Karnataka. Let’s take a look at the timeline of the Amul-Nandini controversy:

1. December 2022: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the inauguration of a Mandya Mega Dairy, suggested collaboration between Amul and Nandini to enhance dairy infrastructure across India. This statement was misinterpreted as a potential merger, sparking fears about Nandini’s independence.
2. April 2023: Amul announced plans to introduce fresh dairy products in Bengaluru, prompting protests from Congress leaders and cultural groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV). Campaigns like “Save Nandini” and “Go Back Amul” trended on social media.
3. May 2023: Congress, riding on the wave of Kannadiga pride, won the Karnataka Assembly elections. The Nandini-Amul controversy became a focal point of its campaign.
4. November 2024: KMF announced plans to expand Nandini into Delhi. Simultaneously, Kerala’s cooperative Milma strongly opposed Nandini’s entry, citing potential harm to local dairy farmers.

Price Wars And Market Dynamics

One of Nandini’s key advantages in Karnataka is its competitive pricing. Nandini’s toned milk, for instance, costs ₹39 per litre in Bengaluru, compared to ₹52 for Amul’s toned milk in Gujarat. Similarly, full-cream milk from Nandini is priced at ₹50 per litre, significantly lower than Amul’s ₹66 per litre. This pricing strategy has helped Nandini maintain a near-monopoly in Karnataka’s dairy market.

Amul, however, clarified that its entry into Karnataka was not intended to compete with Nandini. According to Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), Amul had been selling its products in northern Karnataka since 2015 and had collaborated with Nandini on multiple occasions. Amul ice cream, for instance, is manufactured using milk sourced from Karnataka farmers.

Nandini Faces Resistance In Kerala

As Nandini prepares for its expansion beyond Karnataka, it is noteworthy to remember that in 2023, it had encountered resistance in Kerala. The Kerala State Milk Cooperative Federation, Milma, opposed Nandini’s entry, citing concerns about market disruption.

Milma, the state milk cooperative federation in Kerala, strongly opposed the arrival of Nandini in the state.

Watch the video to know how Rahul Gandhi’s so-called "Mohabbat Ki Dukaan" became poison for Karnataka’s homegrown brand #Nandini pic.twitter.com/U5pZ8UJUGU

— The Pamphlet (@Pamphlet_in) June 30, 2023

Kerala’s CPI(M) government even lodged a complaint with the National Dairy Development Board to address the issue, further complicating Nandini’s plans. Milma’s resistance mirrors the very arguments Karnataka leaders made against Amul’s entry, highlighting how regional politics often supersede cooperative ideals. Ironically, Wayanad was previously represented in Parliament by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had publicly supported Nandini during the Karnataka elections.

While expanding Nandini to other states is a commendable step towards boosting Karnataka’s dairy sector, the Congress’s contradictory stances have fueled criticism. The politicization of the Amul issue in Karnataka, followed by Nandini’s national ambitions, highlights the hypocrisy of the Congress. While Congress used the controversy to consolidate its position in Karnataka, its critics now accuse it of hypocrisy as Nandini expands into other states.

For consumers and farmers, such disputes could have broader implications. Restricting the entry of competing brands limits consumer choice and may hinder farmers from accessing broader markets. Conversely, aggressive expansion strategies could disrupt local economies, as seen in Kerala.

Nandini’s entry and subsequent reception in regions beyond the south will be a litmus test for the cooperative’s long-term vision.

(With inputs from The Pamphlet)

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Karnataka government is eyeing a 4% quota for Muslim contractors in public works up to ₹ one crore, which could push state tender reservations to 47%. This initiative, intended to bolster minority representation in civil contracts, has stirred reactions among other contractor groups pressing for a fair share in public projects.

Quotas For Muslims In Civil Works

The Siddaramaiah administration in Karnataka is reviewing a proposal to extend reservation to Muslim contractors in public construction (civil) works valued at up to ₹1 crore. If approved, this move would increase the total quota for government tenders in the state to 47%.

This proposal is viewed as part of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s strategy to consolidate support from the Ahinda grouping, which includes minorities, backward classes, and Dalits. However, a senior government official clarified that the initiative is intended to empower communities with limited representation in civil contracting.

Quotas For Other Groups

Currently, Karnataka allocates reserved quotas in civil work contracts for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) at 24%, and for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) across Category-1 and Category-2A at 4% and 15%, respectively. Together, these account for 43% of government tenders. The new proposal would add Muslims under Category-2B with a 4% reservation, though officials confirmed that no final decision has been made yet.

Siddaramaiah introduced contract reservations for SC/ST contractors during his previous term. Earlier this year, the policy was expanded to include two categories of OBCs. Category-1 includes 95 communities, such as the Besta, Uppara, and Dalit Christians, while Category-2A includes Kurubas, Idigas, and around 100 other communities; Siddaramaiah himself belongs to the Kuruba community.

Expanding reserved quotas to include Muslim contractors has sparked concerns among other contractor groups, notably the Vokkaligas and Lingayats. These groups press the Karnataka State Contractors Association to address the matter with the government.

Implementation Via Roster-Based Randomisation

According to an order issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) L K Atheeq, the state will implement reserved quotas for SC/STs and OBC contractors through a roster-based randomisation system. The engineering division or the tender-inviting authority will serve as the operational unit for this randomisation process.

As outlined in the order, if there are more than four civil works contracts, they will be randomized and distributed according to the government’s roster system. For example, in a batch of four contracts, one will be randomly allocated to each group: SC, ST, Category-1, and Category-2A contractors.

New Demand To Increase Tender Cap

Meanwhile, the Karnataka State SC/ST Contractors Association has formally requested that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah raise the tender reservation cap from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore. Both the Department of Social Welfare and the Department of Public Works are reportedly in favor of this increase, which is currently under consideration by the finance department.

The proposed changes reflect the Siddaramaiah administration’s continued focus on expanding access and inclusivity within public contracting, aiming to provide fairer representation for diverse communities across Karnataka.

(With inputs Deccan Herald)

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