Udupi: Leaders of the Dalita Sangharsha Samithi (DSS) in Udupi have voiced their strong objections to the decision made by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission regarding the exclusion of the Mogaveera (Mogera in Uttara Kannada district) caste from Category 1 of backward classes.
Expressing their concern, Manjunath Giliyar, the District Convener (organisation) of DSS in Udupi, spoke to reporters on August 4, warning that this exclusion could potentially pave the way for the Mogaveera community to be categorised under the Scheduled Caste (SC) in the future.
Highlighting the unjust impact of such a move, Giliyar emphasised the already marginalised status of the Dalits within society. He went further to demand the resignation of K. Jayaprakash Hegde, the Chairperson of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, holding him accountable for meting out injustice to the Dalit community.
The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission had recently invited public objections before finalising the exclusion of the Mogaveera caste from Category 1 of Backward Classes, setting the deadline for objections on August 10, 2023.
Criticising the decision as unscientific, Giliyar contested the misconception that Mogaveeras in Udupi and DK Districts, or Mogers in Uttara Kannada district, are untouchables.
Categorising them under the SC category, he argued, would be a mere political tactic aimed at gaining favour with the community and securing their votes. Moreover, Giliyar pointed out that Mankal S. Vaidya, the Minister for Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Water Transport, who hails from the fishermen community, also supports the idea of placing the Mogaveeras under the SC category. Despite this, the DSS stands firm in its opposition to such a stance.
Giliyar further recalled that during the tenure of Kota Srinivas Poojary as the Backward Classes and Social Welfare Minister, the issue was brought to his attention, but no concrete action was taken. He emphasised that they cannot afford to compromise on the reservation benefits for the sake of another forward community.