
The Karnataka government, led by the Congress, is considering a proposal to include Muslims within the reservation system for public contracts in civil construction, sources reported on Tuesday. The Siddaramaiah administration is expected to introduce a bill in the winter Assembly session to address this matter.
Details of the Proposal
The plan aims to allocate a reservation of up to Rs 1 crore for Muslims in civil contracts, similar to the reservations currently provided to SC and ST communities. Presently, the state allocates 43% reservation in government contracts, with OBCs in Category-1 receiving 4% and Category-2A receiving 15%. If approved, the reservation would extend to Muslims as well, pushing the quota to 47%.
Under this proposal, Muslims in Category 2B would receive a 4% reservation in government contracts. Sources have also indicated that additional backward classes would benefit under this reservation system.
The overall reservation in government contracts may increase to 47%, with a ceiling for reserved contracts possibly rising to Rs 2 crore.

BJP’s Response
BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized the proposal, calling it тАЬgross contempt of the ConstitutionтАЭ for its basis in religion. He questioned which groupтАЩs share would be reduced to accommodate the new quota. Malviya pointed out that similar measures have been taken in Telangana and Maharashtra, claiming they undermine quotas meant for socially disadvantaged groups and accusing the Congress of seeking votes through these initiatives.