The backward class movement in Karnataka is desire of the under-privileged people to develop their own potentialities and contribute to the. economic development of the nation. In every society, some groups of people are better off and some are not so due to the opportunities they get. By such opportunities people who are already well – off equip themselves and pursue careers which give them prestige and profit. By contrast, the lower or other backward classes have no opportunities to equip themselves.

A new awareness arose among the non-Brahmins in the princely state of Mysore. Vokkaligas, Lingayats and Muslims of Mysore had realized their position of relative deprivation as against the Brahmins. By 1917, these groups formed an alliance called Prajamitra Mandali. In 1918, this mandali pleaded with Maharaja of Mysore for representation in legislature, reservation in posts of public services and educational institutions.

In 1918, a committee of six non-official members presided over by Sir Leslie Miller was formed to study this. Miller committee recommended the acceptance of all their demands. Since then, Backward classes in Mysore state have availed benefits in the field of education, employment and political arena.

A. Naganna Gowda Commission: The Karnataka Government appointed a Backward class commission in 1960 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Naganna Gowda, It is the First Backward Class Commission in Karnataka. The Commission submitted its report in 1961, which recommends 15% for SCs, 3% for STs and 50% OBCs, providing total 68% of reservation. The government’s attempt to implement the report was stayed by the Supreme Court. However in 1963 the government issued an order guaranteeing 15% of reservation to SCs, 3% STs and 30% to OBCs.

B. L. G Havanoor Commission: In 1972, the government appointed the second backward class commission headed by Sri L. G. Havanoor. This commission in its report submitted in 1975 stated that though more than 75% of the people in the state belonged to backward classes and deserved reservation facilities, there was no constitutional provision for giving it. Hence, it made provision for up to 50% reservation.

Government made provision for 58% reservation. However it was challenged in Supreme Court and govt, gave a submission to court stating to initiate a new commission.

C. Venkataswamy Commission: In 1983, the government appointed the Venkataswamy Commission, which gave its report in 1986. The report created wide spread dissatisfaction. The government decided not to implement the report but to establish one more commission to find an amicable settlement to this problem.

D. Chinnappa Reddy Commission: The government instituted the Chinnappa Reddy Commission in 1990, which has been comparatively more widely welcomed. The commission seems to have tried its best to uphold social justice. In Karnataka, the SCs and STs together enjoyed 18% while the OBCs quota is 32%. Based on the Mandal Commission’s report, the Supreme Court of India gave directions to establish a permanent Backward Classes Commission at the centre as well as in states and union territories.

Accordingly, a permanent Backward Classes Commission was set up in Karnataka. Sri K. Narayana Rai (1994-1997), Prof, Ravi Verma Kumar (1997-2000), Sri Muniraju (2001-2003), Sri Siddalingaih (2003-2006), Dr. G. S. Dwarakanath (2007-2010) N. Shankarappa (2011 – 13) headed the Backward Classes Commission in Karnataka. At present H. Kantharaj is the Chairman of Karnataka State Backward class Commission. The commission recommends for inclusion or exclusion of a caste in the backward class list. In Karnataka 101 and 51 Tribes are enlisted as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively.