Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Karnataka Minister Seeks Bhovi-Vaddar Certificates to Prevent Reservation Misuse
Karnataka officials are discussing how to make sure reservation benefits reach the correct communities.
Bhovi community leaders said some people from the Boyi or Besta community were allegedly using Bhovi caste certificates.
Minister Shivraj S. Thangadagi suggested writing “Bhovi-Vaddar” on certificates to make identities clearer.
He said Bhovi people have traditionally worked in stone cutting, digging, excavation and construction labour.
Boyi or Besta people have traditionally worked in fishing, boating and carrying palanquins.
The two communities have different classifications and should receive the benefits meant for them.
Minister K.H. Muniyappa agreed to build community halls with libraries and training centres in 10 districts.
He also said officials would examine whether an education roster system could improve Bhovi students’ access to reservations.
Minister Shivraj S. Thangadagi directed officials to consider caste certificates specifically identifying Bhovi members as “Bhovi-Vaddar.”
Community leaders alleged that some Boyi or Besta members were obtaining Bhovi certificates to access reserved education and employment benefits.
Thangadagi said Bhovi and Boyi or Besta communities have different traditional occupations and reservation classifications.
Minister K.H. Muniyappa promised community halls with libraries and training centres at 10 district headquarters.
Muniyappa said officials would examine the Bhovi community’s request for an education-reservation roster system and take appropriate action within a week.
- Who
- Karnataka Ministers Shivraj S. Thangadagi and K.H. Muniyappa, Social Welfare and Backward Classes officials, and Bhovi community representatives.
- What
- Officials discussed identifying Bhovi members as “Bhovi-Vaddar” on caste certificates, preventing alleged misuse of reservations, building community halls, and introducing an education roster system.
- When
- The meeting date was not specified.
- Where
- Karnataka, including concerns raised about Udupi and four or five other districts in southern Karnataka; proposed halls would be built at 10 district headquarters.
- Why
- To distinguish Bhovi and Boyi or Besta identities, prevent allegedly fraudulent caste certificates, and address Bhovi concerns about access to education reservations.
Bhovi Community Position
Government and Classification Position
Use of caste certificates
Bhovi Community Position
Bhovi representatives said some Boyi or Besta individuals were allegedly obtaining certificates identifying them as Bhovi, reducing access to benefits intended for the Bhovi community.
Government and Classification Position
Officials said certificates should clearly distinguish the communities so that each receives the reservation benefits legally available to it.
Community identity
Bhovi Community Position
Bhovi leaders supported identifying their community specifically as “Bhovi-Vaddar” to protect its reservation claims.
Government and Classification Position
Thangadagi said Bhovi and Boyi or Besta are distinct communities with different traditional occupations and classifications.
Educational reservations
Bhovi Community Position
Bhovi representatives said the absence of a roster system in education was affecting their access to reserved opportunities.
Government and Classification Position
Muniyappa did not immediately announce a roster, but assured the delegation that officials would examine the issue and initiate appropriate action.
- Proposed certificate designation
- “Bhovi-Vaddar”
- Concern raised
- Community leaders alleged that some Boyi or Besta members were obtaining Bhovi certificates to claim reservation benefits.
- Bhovi traditional occupations
- Stone cutting, excavation, digging tanks and wells, and construction-related labour.
- Boyi or Besta traditional occupations
- Fishing, boating and palanquin carrying.
- Proposed community facilities
- Community halls with libraries and training centres at 10 district headquarters.
- Education reservation issue
- Bhovi representatives sought a roster system similar to the one used in direct recruitment.
- Expected review period
- K.H. Muniyappa said the education-roster matter would be examined and addressed within a week.