Ursu community demands internal reservation facility

Wadiyars, the erstwhile rulers of Mysuru who belonged to Ursu (Arasu) community, were instrumental in introducing the reservation system during their princely rule in the State. Now, the same community has sought internal reservation facility from Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.

Representatives of the Ursu community, who submitted a memorandum to commission Chairman H Kantharaj during the public hearing at Zilla Panchayat hall, on Friday, here, explained: “The community is microscopic with an estimated population of 45,000 in the State. It is classified under backward classes ‘2A’. The people lost their lands after the Land Reforms Act was enacted. Now, most of them are facing difficulties, as the existing reservation facility is restricted to academic and employment purposes. If internal reservation is provided it will help solve their problems.”

Kumbara community, which also comes under ‘2A’ of backward classes, made a similar appeal. Though the community population touches 16 lakh in the State, political representation has remained a mirage with none from the community members elected to

Assembly or Parliament. If internal reservation is provided, it will help in competing with stronger communities in government recruitments, they said.

Savitha Samaja members wanted the commission to safeguard them further, by introducing dedicated laws to book those who treat them as untouchables. The commission should recommend laws on the lines of caste abuse or separate laws to check such insulting remarks. Similar was the demand of Halumatha community.

The leaders of Kadugolla community sought a separate burial ground, as the hamlets where they reside are thickly populated and still remain as revenue villages. The government is blind towards the demand for drinking water, electricity, road and other basic amenities. The problem has reached its peak at Tumakuru and Chitradurga districts, they added.

Mysore and Chamarajanagar Districts Upparara Sangha demanded the commission to extend backward classes ‘1A’ status to sub-sects like ‘Melu Sakkare Uppara Shetty’, ‘Melu Sakkare Shetty’, ‘Uppara Gowda’, ‘Ele Uppara’, ‘Mole Uppara’ and ‘Hulli Uppara’.

The leaders reasoned, Uppara living in moles (hamlets) are backward, with rampant child marriages. Apart from considering the economic and social status, human development index should be taken into account to include the sub-sects. If they are considered below STs, they should be provided with reservation, demanded convener of the Sangha D Jagannath Sagar.