MLC Thippannappa Kamaknoor at a press conference in Kalaburagi. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Legislative Council member Thippannappa Kamaknoor said the state government had promised to recommend the Center to grant Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to the Koli, Kabbaliga, Besta, Ambiga and Mogaveera communities and urged the community leaders to refrain from holding protests till the end of the winter session of the Legislative Assembly.
At a recent press conference here, Mr. Kamaknoor said the state government had agreed to press the central government to clarify the long-pending issue of ST status for the five communities and would also send its recommendation before the end of the winter session.
He explained that these communities remain among the most socially, economically, politically and educationally backward groups in the state.
Mr. Kamaknoor said that the historical records of the caste censuses from 1881 to 1931 clearly describe them as having distinct tribal characteristics.
Mr. Kamaknoor pointed out that various Backward Classes Commissions in the state had already recommended their inclusion in the ST category.
Despite this, communities have been denied justice over the years due to lack of political will, he added.
For almost 30 years, these communities have staged a series of protests across the state demanding due recognition, he said.
He pointed out that communities like Bedar, Valmiki, Nayak, Banjara, Bhovi, Korama and Koracha have already been given the status of Scheduled Tribes or Scheduled Castes due to political representation and strong advocacy, while Koli, Kabbaliga, Besta, Ambiga and Mogaveera continue to remain delisted only in the state.
Mr. Kamaknoor noted that these communities are recognized as scheduled tribes in 14 states and as scheduled castes in nine states across the country, but Karnataka is yet to extend the benefits to them.
Lack of political will results in long-term injustice to these communities, he added.
Published – 23 Nov 2025 18:53 IST
