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Karnataka Police to prioritise housing for SC/ST personnel facing caste bias in rentals
Following a Government Assurance Committee meeting that highlighted caste-based discrimination in rental housing for police personnel, Karnataka police issued a circular to prioritise housing for SC/ST staff facing such discrimination. The directive requires verification of representations and urgent allotment of available police quarters, with approval by senior officials. It notes ongoing housing measures under the Police Gruha Scheme and renovations of older quarters to improve allocations.
Why It Matters
The move acknowledges caste bias as a housing barrier for police staff and aims to improve their operational readiness by ensuring timely housing for affected personnel.
Timeline
3 Events
May 9, 2026 Housing measures and statements on Police Gruha Scheme
May 9, 2026
Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that around 40% of department staff have been allotted quarters, with the remaining staff to be allocated on a priority basis under the Police Gruha Scheme. The report also notes that aging British-era quarters, referred to as 'police lanes', are being vacated and reconstructed to achieve allocation of about 90% of the target.
May 6, 2026 Circular prioritising housing for SC/ST personnel facing caste discrimination
May 6, 2026
ADGP Devajyoti Ray (Grievances and Human Rights), acting on behalf of the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police, issued a circular directing units to verify representations from personnel alleging caste-based housing discrimination and to allot eligible applicants to available police quarters on an urgent basis. The directive was approved by senior officials and communicated for immediate implementation.
April 28, 2026 Government Assurance Committee meeting on caste discrimination in rental housing
April 28, 2026
At Vidhana Soudha, officials discussed reports that police personnel from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were being denied rental homes on caste grounds and often forced to reside far from duty locations, affecting timely reporting for duty.