It has been unanimously decided to hike reservation for the Scheduled Castes from 15 per cent to 17 per cent and the Scheduled Tribes from 3 per cent to 7 per cent, announced Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Talking to reporters after chairing a meeting of leaders of both the Houses to discuss Justice Nagamohan Das Committee report over the hike for quota for the SCs/STs here on Friday, he said this has been long pending demand to hike reservation on the basis of population. Accordingly, it was unanimously decided to increase reservation for the SCs by 17 per cent and the STs by 7 per cent.

Prior to this meeting, the issue was discussed with the senior leaders of the party. Besides, a resolution was adopted in the core committee meeting held this morning to hike the reservation for SCs/STs in order to show its commitment for social justice, and to take legal actions in this regard.

The CM said as discussed in all party meeting, the government wants to implement the same. A Cabinet Meeting will be convened tomorrow (Saturday) to discuss all recommendations of Justice Nagamohan Das Committee recommendations, and then issue a final notification in this regard. Along with this, there are many demands and they need to ponder over it.

The aspirations of all communities and religions have increased. There is a feeling that within the SCs/STs justice has not been done to many. In the wake of this, it has been decided to study the reports of all the commissions and to make a good decision. In the coming days, decisions regarding internal reservation among the SCs/STs will be taken in due consultation with experts and leaders of all parties, and also to ensure no injustice is done to the society. The government will take a suitable decision on reservation for the backward classes on the basis of reports and do justice for those people.

Bommai said with these decisions, the quantum of reservation will not reduce. There is 50 per cent reservation in the State and the quantum of reservation will not reduce for the SC,ST, catagory 1, 2A and 2B. This reservation is given for above 50 per cent quota and the same has been underlined by Justice Nagamohan Das Committee and told by the Government too. It has been decided to give 10 per cent reservation for the economically backward communities which do not have reservation as per law. But this has been challenged in the Supreme Court and a verdict is awaited.

Subsequently, the court verdict will be implemented. Giving reservation without doing injustice to anyone is the real justice which is being done by the incumbent government, he added.

The CM said after the Tamil Nadu Government came to power in 1994, another verdict came in 2007 on Schedule 9 which says in case of any infringement in fundamental rights, legal immunity may be given. When the Land Reforms Act came into West Bengal in 1950, the Supreme Court had abolished that act. At that time, it was brought in the form of Schedule 9 by considering it as a fundamental right in order to ensure justice for farmers. This is applicable not only in reservation but also in other issues. Since 1994 onwards, this concession has been given. Till now, verdict has not come in this regard. The purpose of calling an all party meeting was to discuss this issue from all angles including legal and the Constitution and to take everyone into confidence besides creating harmony in the state.