‘Give us our rightful 1%’: Alemari Org ups the ante against SC internal quota

Bengaluru: "Our nomadic community from Karnataka stands here today demanding our rightful 1% reservation so that our people receive equal facilities across all sectors. We urge the government not to merge our quota with other castes!,” said Sanna Mareppa, president of the State Alemari (Nomadic) Organisation.

For the past 13 days, members of the nomadic or Alemari community, along with the Madiga and Holeya groups, have been protesting at Freedom Park. Their demand arises from the Karnataka government’s recent decision to reduce the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission’s proposed five Scheduled Caste sub-categories to just three (A, B, and C).

Under this revision, “most backward” communities are placed in Group C alongside comparatively ‘forward’ Dalit groups such as the Lambani, Bhovi, Korma, and Koracha. Critics argue that this merger undermines 59 nomadic and vulnerable Scheduled Caste communities, forcing them to compete with socially and economically stronger groups.

“The government’s decision dilutes the hard-fought rights of nomadic communities. By merging Alemaris with touchable castes like the Bhovi, Lambani, Korama, and Koracha, our people will lose out on reservations meant for them,” said Chandru Tharahunise, a member of the Magida community, which currently enjoys 6% reservation.

He added, “We will not celebrate any victory until our brother nomadic communities receive their due. These are voiceless people without political or educational representation, and we will continue to stand by them until the government grants them their rightful share.”

Prominent leaders, including Basavaraj Kautal, Ambanna Arolikar, Kariyappa Kurimane, and Chandru Taravani, also extended their support at the protest.