Minister: 15% Minority Housing Quota Not New

Karnataka Housing and Minority Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan on Friday defended the state cabinet's decision to increase reservation for minorities in housing schemes from 10 to 15%, saying the move is based on a recommendation made in 2019 and is not a recent or arbitrary decision.

- HT Correspondent

BENGALURU: Karnataka Housing and Minority Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan on Friday defended the state cabinet's decision to increase reservation for minorities in housing schemes from 10 to 15%, saying the move is based on a recommendation made in 2019 and is not a recent or arbitrary decision.

"Decision to reserve 15% for minorities in housing schemes is not a decision taken now. The cabinet subcommittee formed in 2019 when HD Kumaraswamy was the chief minister in the coalition government had recommended it," Khan said, responding to growing criticism from the opposition.

He further clarified that the reservation percentage mirrors existing central policy. "The central government already provides a 15% quota for minorities under housing schemes, as per the Sachar Committee report. There was a demand that the same should be given in the state. Therefore, the central model has been followed," he said.