‘Strict action to be taken against those who seek fake ST certificates’

Bengaluru: A strict action will be taken against those who seek, give and validate fake ST certificates, Karanataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the Valmiki community delegation.

CM said that he would stand for social justice and is committed to protecting the welfare of the Valmiki community.

He was speaking with the delegation of Ministers and MLAs who met him under the leadership of Sri Prasannananda Swamiji, President of Valmiki Peetha, Rajanahalli, Harihara Taluk, Davangere District. “The previous government had made a hasty decision on the reservation and created confusion. 4 per cent reservation for Muslims has been cancelled and 2 per cent reservation has been given to Okkaligas and Lingayats each. Category 2C, 2D has also been created and there is confusion in this regard,” the Chief Minister said.

Siddaramaiah assured also assured to hold a separate meeting with the Advocate General, the Law Department and the concerned Minister after the budget session to clear the confusion on the issue of reservation. The Chief Minister opined that, since the decision is not constitutional, there is a need for a lengthy discussion. There will be no solution if the ceiling on the reservation is not relaxed.

Speaking about the issuance of fake Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe certificates, the CM said that action should be taken by the Civil Rights Enforcement (CRE) Cell. There is a demand that the Koli, Kabbaliga and Talwar communities of Raichur, Bijapur should be included in the ST category. “Koli community claims itself to be Talwars. These confusions should also be resolved. Only Talawars from the Nayak community are included in ST. This is a very sensitive issue and will be discussed with constitutional and legal experts,” the CM said.

“A secretary will be appointed to the separate directorate established for the scheduled tribe,” the CM added. The Chief Minister said that action will be taken on the establishment of the Tribal Advisory Council if a report is submitted.

“Our Government will recommend to the Central Government to include reservation in Article 9 of the Constitution. But before that, there is a need to remove all the confusion created by the BJP government,” he said. Cooperation Minister Rajanna, Public Works Minister Satish Jarakiholi and 14 MLAs, leaders and representatives of the Valmiki community were present during the meeting.

(With ANI inputs)