Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday clarified that the state government’s decision to provide a four per cent reservation in government contracts is not exclusive to Muslims but extends to all minority communities and backward classes.
“Four per cent reservation is not just for Muslims but all minority communities and backward classes,” he told ANI.
The Karnataka Cabinet approved an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act to implement this reservation policy. The decision was taken on Friday during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhan Sabha. The amendment is expected to be tabled in the ongoing assembly session, with official sources stating that its presentation is scheduled for Monday.
On March 7, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while presenting the Karnataka Budget, confirmed that 4% of public works contracts would be reserved for Muslims under the Category-II B classification. This reservation will apply to procurement of goods and services under various government departments, corporations, and institutions, for tenders up to ₹1 crore.
Additionally, the Karnataka Cabinet has agreed to grant e-Khata for rural areas approved by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. If implemented, this decision will streamline revenue projects and provide e-Khata services to households in village stations.
The Cabinet also discussed reform measures for the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), addressing concerns over its functioning. It approved the formation of a separate committee to oversee the commission’s reforms and recommendations.