Ugrappa urges Centre to include law enhancing SC, ST reservation in Ninth Schedule

V.S. Ugrappa, Congress leader and former MP, addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on Thursday.

Congress leader V.S. Ugrappa has urged the Union government to include the law enhancing reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) by two percentage points and Scheduled Tribes (STs) by four percentage points in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to protect it from judicial scrutiny.

Addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on Thursday, Mr. Ugrappa said the Karnataka government had enhanced reservation for SCs and STs based on population and had subsequently urged the Union government to include the amendment in the Ninth Schedule.

However, the Centre had not responded to the State’s request, leaving the revised reservation open to judicial scrutiny. The Karnataka High Court subsequently quashed the enhanced reservation, he said.

Questioning the Centre’s silence on the issue, Mr. Ugrappa said, “The Prime Minister responds to letters written by schoolchildren on his Mann Ki Baat programme. Why can’t he respond to a serious issue concerning the larger public of Karnataka?”

He also criticised BJP leaders for allegedly remaining silent on the issue and held the party responsible for the present situation. “Members of Parliament from Karnataka should exert pressure on the Union government and ensure that the amendment is included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution,” he said.

Mr. Ugrappa appealed to members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to raise their voices in support of the demand. He also urged political leaders, religious seers and actors to speak out on the issue.

“Unless collective efforts are made to address this issue, young people aspiring for jobs and seats in educational institutions will face difficulties,” he added.