Forest tribes seek direct recruitment

The government is yet to start the direct recruitment process. | Photo credit: AJIJCHAN

Members of the 12 forest tribes, who were promised representation in the state civil services in the 2025-26 budget proposals, urged the state government to start the direct recruitment process.

The government has announced that 12 forest fringe tribes – Jenu Kuruba, Iruliga, Koraga, Soliga, Yarava, Paniyan, Halasaru, Gowdalu, Siddi, Betta Kuruba, Kadu Kuruba, Kudiya and Malekudiya – will get government jobs through special direct recruitment. However, the government is yet to start the process.

On Wednesday (May 20), the Tribal People’s Federation of Karnataka State Forest Dwellers met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi to press for the implementation of their demands. They threatened to launch an agitation if the government did not fulfill its promise.

The population of these tribes does not exceed two thousand. Although these tribes are part of the 50 tribes in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka, a report by the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) also showed that they have failed to find representation in public services.

“There have been two rounds of consultations so far. Officials have proposed direct recruitment for category C and D positions. However, we want it to be extended to categories A and B as it will be a one-time direct recruitment,” said a representative of the Iruliga tribe who was part of the delegation.

Can’t compete

“Reservation for STs over the last 75 years has not benefited the forest-dwelling tribes because the educated among these tribes are unable to compete with other tribes who are economically, educationally and socially better off. If one generation gets a government job, it can help these tribes in development,” said RV Chandrashekar of the Center for Social Inclusion Studies at NLSIU. Under the 3% reservation, these tribes cannot compete with others, he said, adding that special direct recruitment will help them integrate into the mainstream.

Published – 20 May 2026 19:45 IST