Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. Harish Kumar, Commissioner of the Karnataka State Information Commission, has said that the struggle for internal reservation would have been more meaningful if the ‘Holeya’ and ‘Madiga’ communities had included Pourakarmikas under the ‘A’ category in the roster system, at least on humanitarian grounds.

He was speaking after inaugurating a discussion on ‘Internal Reservation: Crisis and Solutions’, organised by Pragathipara Okkuta at Ramagovinda Rangamandira in Ramakrishnanagar recently.

Dr. Harish Kumar said there were frequent complaints that one section among Dalits had become the major beneficiary of employment opportunities. However, carrying night soil under Government rolls should not be seen as a sign of progress among Pourakarmikas, he noted.

Socially more disadvantaged

Pointing out that the Scheduled Caste category comprises several communities and not a single caste, he said Pourakarmikas should be given priority in the

‘A’ category as they remain economically and socially more disadvantaged compared to ‘Holeya’ and ‘Madiga’ communities.

Referring to historical factors, he said Dalit communities were largely deprived of education during the pre-Independence era and therefore could not access the Government jobs even after Independence.

With greater access to education after the implementation of Constitutional provisions, the number of graduates and post-graduates increased, which in turn led to rising unemployment and strengthened Dalit movements, eventually leading to the introduction of the roster system.

Social activist Indira Krishnappa said issues related to Dalit representation have existed since the pre-Independence period and should be resolved amicably through dialogue.

Progressive thinker Dr. M.P. Poornananda said Dalit movements had safeguarded the rights of the community and stressed that the ‘Holeya’ and ‘Madiga’ communities should maintain their longstanding bond despite differences over internal reservation.

Writer D. Saraswathi presided over the event, while progressive thinker Dhananjay Eliyur presented the topic. Writer Prof. Kalegowda Nagawara, former Rangayana Director H. Janardhan (Janni), Dalit leader Harihara Anandswamy, Shambulinga Swamy, Savitha P. Mallesh and others were present.