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States » SouthPosted at: Mar 18 2025 11:19PM


4 pc Muslim Quota Bill tabled in K'taka Assembly

Bengaluru, Mar 18 (UNI) The Karnataka government on Tuesday tabled a controversial Bill reserving 4 per cent of public contracts for Muslims, triggering fierce opposition from the BJP, which has vowed a legal challenge.
Calling it an "unconstitutional misadventure," the BJP accused the Congress-led government of indulging in appeasement politics and warned of a prolonged battle to block the move.
The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil in the Assembly, seeks to amend the 1999 Act to set aside 4 per cent of civil works contracts (up to Rs 2 crore) and goods/services contracts (up to Rs 1 crore) for Muslims under Category 2B of the OBCs.
The proposal, first announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the 2025-26 Budget on March 7, builds on existing reservations: SCs and STs receive 24 per cent in civil works contracts, OBC–Category 1 has 4 per cent, and OBC–Category 2A gets 15 per cent. The government argues the amendment will enhance the participation of backward class Muslims in public procurement, reducing unemployment in the community.
The BJP, however, sees this as a dangerous precedent. Party leaders slammed the move as a politically motivated step that could undermine merit-based allocations in government contracts.
"We will fight this at all levels, including in court," a senior BJP leader asserted. UNI BDN SSP
Tags: #4 pc Muslim Quota Bill tabled in K'taka Assembly
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