Bengaluru, June 19 (UNI) In a major welfare-oriented initiative, the Karnataka government on Thursday approved an increase in the housing quota for the Muslim community under various state-run schemes, raising the reservation from 10 per cent to 15 per cent.

The decision, passed in the state cabinet meeting earlier in the day, will be applicable to all housing programmes administered by the Department of Housing in both rural and urban areas. The move is aimed at ensuring broader access for Muslims to government-supported housing projects.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, briefing the media after the meeting, said the decision was based on the Muslim community's population ratio and the persistent underutilisation of housing schemes.

"This decision has been taken keeping in mind the population ratio and the underutilisation of several housing projects. It is essential to fill these vacancies, and the Muslim community, given its population share, deserves increased representation in welfare housing," Shivakumar said.

He also targeted the opposition BJP, remarking, "The BJP has no agenda other than playing politics in the name of Muslims. Our government is committed to inclusive development, and this move is a step in that direction."

The Congress-led state government had earlier expanded reservation benefits for minority communities in the awarding of government contracts. The enhanced housing quota is seen as an extension of the government’s ongoing affirmative action measures to improve socio-economic conditions of minority communities.

The revised housing quota is expected to be implemented shortly, with guidelines under preparation for smooth execution. UNI BDN SSP