Bengaluru Declaration calls for SC/ST quota in judiciary

Significantly, the Bengaluru Declaration called for upholding 

Rule of Law through police reforms and state actionto prevent

 lynchings. It also called for a law against gender and caste 

discrimination at educational institutions.

It has recommended SC/ST reservation in appointment of 

judges, promotions, government contracts up to Rs. 1 crore, in 

private higher educational institutions and private sector. It also

 proposed establishment of an Equal Opportunities Commission

 to oversee affirmative action.

Much focus is also on ensuring land ownership for SC/STs, 

including a proposal to establish SC/ST land bank, where 

government buys these lands at market prices and re-allots to

 the same community, to ensure non-dilution of ownership. It

further recommends allocation of 20% of the land in private 

housing layouts for urban poor.

The declaration called for a wider social security net. It 

recommended a “living wage” and comprehensive social 

security scheme for all labourers working in the unorganised 

sector apart from ensuring dignity in retirement through 

enhanced pensions of Rs. 1,500 per month.

Public Works Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, who read out the 

declaration, said:“Regressive social and political forces have 

resisted and tried to undermine both the constitutional idea of 

India and the efforts of the State in the last 70 years.”

×