[EXCLUSIVE] 'Muslims As Backward Caste': NCBC Criticizes Blanket Classification In Karnataka

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The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) criticized the blanket classification of Muslims as a backward caste in Karnataka.

[EXCLUSIVE] 'Muslims as Backward Caste': NCBC Criticizes Blanket Classification in Karnataka — [EXCLUSIVE] ‘Muslims as Backward Caste’: NCBC Criticizes Blanket Classification in Karnataka

Karnataka: The Karnataka Government to categorize the entire Muslim community as a backward caste for reservation purposes has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). The NCBC argues that this blanket categorization undermines the principles of social justice.

While acknowledging the existence of underprivileged and marginalized sections within the Muslim community, the commission emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach that recognizes the diversity and complexities within Muslim society.

“All castes/communities of Muslim religion of Karnataka are being treated as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens and listed as Muslim Caste separately under Category IIB in the State List of Backward Classes for providing them reservation in admission into educational institutions and in appointments to posts and vacancies in the services of the State for the purpose of Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution of India,” the NCBC said in a statement on Monday night.

The NCBC, which conducted a field visit last year to examine the state’s reservation policy for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), has expressed concerns about the blanket categorization of Muslims as a backward caste. The commission argues that such categorization undermines the principles of social justice, particularly for the marginalized Muslim castes and communities that have been identified as socially and educationally backward.

The NCBC acknowledges the presence of underprivileged sections within the Muslim community but understanding the importance of distinguishing between specific marginalized castes and the entire religion. The commission states that treating the entire Muslim religion as backward fails to consider the diversity and complexities within Muslim society, thereby working against the principles of social justice.

“The religion-based reservation affects and works against ethics of social justice for categorically downtrodden Muslim castes/communities and identified socially and educationally backward Muslim castes/communities under Category-I (17 Muslim castes) of State List of Backward Classes. Hence, socially and educationally backward castes/communities cannot be treated at par with an entire religion,” the NCBC stated.

The NCBC raises concerns about the overall framework of social justice, particularly in the context of local body polls. While Karnataka provides 32 percent reservation to backward classes in local body elections, including Muslims, the commission stresses the need for a more nuanced approach that accounts for the diversity within these communities.