AMN / NEW DELHI
In a major decision which may impact political scenario in the state, Karnataka Government on Monday recommended religious minority status to Lingayat community.
The state Cabinet that met in Bengaluru today has decided to accept the recommendations of the Karnataka State Minority Commission to consider grant of recognition as a religious minority to the Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats who are believers of Basava Tathwa under section 2D of the Karnataka State Minorities Act.
The state Minorities Commission had formed a seven-member experts committee headed by retired High Court Judge H N Nagamohan Das on the issue.
The State Cabinet has also decided to forward its decision to the Central Government for notifying it under section 2C of the Central Minority Commission Act.
It has also recommended that such decision by the Central Government, should not affect the existing benefits available to other religious or linguistic minorities.
We welcome the decision of @CMofKarnataka for recognising #Lingayats as an independent religion as per law. This will help millions of poor Lingayats in the long run.#Lingayats
— Lingayats (@Lingayatas) March 19, 2018