State budget earmarks ₹100 crore for specific development corporation and announces new commissions and schools for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and nomadic communities. The Chief Minister announced the establishment of several new bodies aimed at addressing the needs of deprived communities. A sum of ₹100 crore has been allocated to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Nomadic and Semi-nomadic Development Corporation. Additionally, a Scheduled Tribes Commission will be formed to provide a platform for airing grievances.
The Chief Minister's 17th Budget also outlines the creation of a Buddhist Development Corporation under the Social Welfare Department. Furthermore, the Karnataka Adivasi Development Corporation is being established to focus on the upliftment of particularly backward tribal communities, including groups such as the Irula, Soliga, Jenukuruba, Kadukuruba, Kudiya, and Siddi, who reside in forest fringe areas.
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To bolster educational access for nomadic, semi-nomadic, and micro-communities belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who face educational disadvantages, four special residential schools are slated to open. One such school will be situated in each revenue division, aiming to provide educational opportunities to these deprived sections.
Context of Reservation and Caste Discourse
Recent political discussions have highlighted the ongoing debate around reservations and the recognition of backward communities. The gazette notification of certain Bills into new Acts has reportedly increased quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, extremely backward castes, and other backward classes. This follows an announcement by the Bihar government formally notifying Bills to raise reservation percentages for these groups in government jobs and educational institutions.
Concurrently, demands for a 'caste census' have been voiced by political figures like Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party chief. He argues that such a census is necessary to ensure that communities from backward strata receive their due rights and recognition, a call that has also garnered support from the Congress party. These developments suggest a continued focus on identifying and addressing the socio-economic disparities faced by various caste groups.
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Organizations Focused on Community Development
Various entities are involved in efforts toward community upliftment. The 'Shifting Orbits Foundation' lists multiple centers across Bangalore and other locations, providing contact information and detailing various avenues for contribution, including monetary donations, partnerships, volunteering, and connecting with CSR teams. Their mission appears centered on enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for underserved populations, suggesting a role in complementing government initiatives.