Caste system creates socio-economic imbalances; reservation must, says CM

Bantwal, Apr 21: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while vouching for reservation as a solution to empowering people in a caste-ridden society averred that reservation is losing its efficacy in an era where more jobs are being created in private rather than government sector.

Observing that caste system is deep-rooted in society and creates socio-economic imbalances, the CM said it is important to have reservations till such time that his disparity is removed from society in totality.

Dedicating Narayana Guru Jnana Mandir constructed by Brahmashree Narayana Guru Seva Samiti at Sajeepamuda in Bantwal taluk on Thursday, Siddaramaiah reminded the audience of a statement of the architect of India's Constitution B R Ambedkar that reservation has to be continued till such time that caste system is rooted out fully. "Agreed that Ambedkar initially wanted reservation for 10 years hoping that social imbalances would be corrected by then," CM observed.

Noting that social reformers and visionaries such as Buddha, Basaveshwara, Ambedkar and even Narayana Guru did shake the foundations of caste system in India with their radical thinking on the issue, Siddaramaiah regretted that the system got further ensconced in society with them no longer in the scene. "Have all those oppressed become free now," he questioned noting that instances of people suffering the scourge of untouchability are reported even now.

Batting for reservation, Siddaramaiah said even a developed state like the USA practises it, albeit in different form. "They have racial discrimination where fair skinned are given preferential treatment," he said adding this is nothing but a form of reservation. The Congress government in state has not just catered to interests of the AHINDA class as its opponents criticize it, CM said adding rather it has catered to interests of all economically poor across class.

The cabinet on Wednesday took a historic decision where it has decided to go in for reservations in contracts the government contracts, he said. Under this, SC/ST community members will get to exclusively bid for government contracts up to Rs 50 lakh in any given area proportionate to their population there, he said. The government has also set aside 24.1% of the state's planned outlay of Rs 85000-odd crore for the betterment of SC/ST communities this year, he noted.

State government will celebrate Brahmashree Narayana Guru Jayanthi henceforth on September 18. Responding to a plea from Harikrishna Bantwal, advisor to the Samiti, CM said the Brahmashree Narayana Guru Jayanthi Jayanthi will be used as a day to spread the message of social equality that the social reformer saint from Kerala preached. Narayana Guru was born in Kerala on September 18, 1854 and died on September 21, 1928. He fought against caste system and propagated equality. He opened temples in Kerala when upper caste people denied entry to people from backward castes.

The entire route of CM Siddaramaiah from airport to Sajeepamuda, in the city and route to Surathkal where he took part in several functions was awash with flex banners in violation of rules. Over enthusiastic party workers, MLAs and even ministers ensured that they took up most vantage points to ensure that the banners caught the eye. When TOI brought this to CMs attention, Siddaramaiah said, "I will instruct the party rank and file not to do so." The Union ministry for environment and forests has banned use of flex banners along with a host of other plastic items, recently.

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