Bengaluru: State Social Welfare Minister Priyank Kharge has proposed the setting up of caste-free hostels in each taluk of the state with the intention of building a casteless society.

According to a draft report submitted by Kharge to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, these hostels will have an intake of 250 each. The admissions will be decided on merit and the economic conditions of the students. Pupils from all castes, religions and communities will be provided admission based on the existing quota system.

“Presently, students are admitted to various hostels based on their caste, like SC/ST, OBC, minorities etc. However, the proposed hostels will admit students without any caste criteria,” informed Kharge.