Banjara Community Gears Up for Indefinite Protest in Shivamogga Demanding Fair Internal Reservation

A wave of determined activism is set to sweep across Shivamogga as the Banjara community prepares to launch an indefinite protest starting Friday. Their core demand: an equitable share within the recently implemented internal reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SC) in Karnataka. The community feels marginalized by the current structure, which they argue disproportionately benefits other groups within the SC category.

Leaders of the Banjara community, also known as Lambanis, have voiced their deep dissatisfaction with the state government's decision to implement internal reservation.

They argue that this move, while intended to address disparities, has inadvertently overlooked the legitimate claims and significant population of the Banjara people. The protest, which will commence near the Deputy Commissioner’s office, is expected to draw a large number of participants from various taluks across the district, highlighting the widespread discontent.

The root of their grievance lies in the distribution of the 17% SC reservation into four distinct categories: Left (6%), Right (5%), Touchables (4%), and Others (1%).

The Banjara community, along with groups like Bhovi, Koracha, and Korama, falls under the 'Touchables' category, which has been allocated only 4%. They contend that this allocation is grossly inadequate and fails to reflect their substantial population and socio-economic backwardness within the SC framework.

In stark contrast, the Madiga community, categorized under 'Left', has been allotted 6%, while the Adi Karnataka (Holeya) community, under 'Right', receives 5%.

The 'Others' category, encompassing the remaining 101 SC sub-castes, is left with a mere 1%. The Banjara community asserts that their population size and historical deprivation warrant a much larger share than the 4% currently designated to them, especially when compared to groups receiving larger percentages.

Local Banjara leaders emphasize that their fight is not against any other community but for their rightful share.

They highlight that the government's decision, influenced by the Justice A.J. Sadashiva Commission report, has not adequately considered the ground realities and demographic distribution. They believe that a more nuanced and just approach is required to ensure that all marginalized communities within the SC category receive fair representation and access to opportunities.

The community's representatives have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met.

The indefinite nature of the protest signals their unwavering resolve. They are calling upon the state government to revisit the internal reservation policy, particularly the allocation for the 'Touchables' category, and introduce revisions that ensure justice for the Banjara, Bhovi, Koracha, and Korama communities.

This demonstration is a powerful appeal for equality and recognition, aiming to compel authorities to heed their calls for a more equitable and inclusive reservation system.