Bangalore, May 29 — Members of the Jain community, under the banner of the Jain Development Forum, began a “Fasting Satyagraha” at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, raising a series of long-pending demands to the Karnataka government. The peaceful protest is being led by Babubhai Mehta (President), Inder Kumar Nahar (Chairman), Lalit Dakliya (Secretary), Kavita Jain, Sushil Talesara, and other forum members.
The protesters are calling attention to what they describe as a consistent neglect of the Jain community’s needs and representation in state minority affairs. They have put forth seven major demands aimed at securing developmental support, institutional representation, and protection of their religious and cultural heritage.
Key Demands Raised by the Jain Development Forum:
1. Creation of a Jain Development Corporation
The community has demanded the establishment of a dedicated Jain Development Corporation, with an annual allocation of ₹200 crore, or 20% of the Minority Welfare Department’s budget.
2. Reservation in Minority Hostels
The Forum is seeking reservation of hostels for Jain students across all districts. They are asking for at least one hostel per district, and two in areas with larger Jain populations or educational centers. If hostels are vegetarian-only, half the seats should be reserved for Jain students, they said.
3. Inclusion in the Karnataka Minority Development Corporation (KMDC)
Protesters pointed out that the Jain community has never been given the Chairman’s post in KMDC, nor has any Jain been appointed as Director. They demand two Jain directors be appointed immediately, and call for a rotation policy for the Chairman’s position among all minority groups.
4. Representation in the State Minority Commission
Highlighting a similar lack of inclusion, the community is demanding appointment of Jain members to the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, and for the Chairman’s post to be rotated among all recognized minorities.
5. Enhanced Reservation Quota
The Jain community currently receives 5% reservation under minority provisions, which the Forum says is inadequate. They are demanding this be raised to 20%, reflecting their educational and economic needs.
6. Protection of Jain Temples and Heritage Properties
The community is urging the government to enact stringent legislation for the protection of ancient Jain temples and properties. They are also calling for a comprehensive survey to identify and secure these heritage sites, along with steps to eliminate encroachments.
7. Security and Infrastructure at Jain Temples
To safeguard religious sites, the Forum is demanding the installation of CCTV cameras, solar lighting, electricity, and the deployment of security personnel at ancient Jain temples throughout Karnataka.
A Call for Equal Recognition
Speaking at the protest, Forum leaders emphasized that the Jain community continues to contribute significantly to the state’s cultural and economic landscape, yet remains underrepresented in key policy-making and development bodies. They warned that unless these issues are addressed, the community will continue its peaceful agitation until justice is served.
The Forum urged the Karnataka government to take immediate action, ensuring equitable distribution of minority welfare resources and fair representation across institutions.
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