Mysuru, Oct 17 (NationPress) In response to the declaration made by Infosys founders Narayan Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty, stating they would abstain from participating in the ongoing contentious socio-economic and academic survey known as the caste census, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted on Friday that Murthy is incorrect in believing this survey is solely for backward classes.

Addressing the media in Mysuru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned, "Will they (Narayan Murthy and Sudha Murty) refuse to cooperate when a caste census is conducted by the Central government in the future?"

He elaborated, "It seems that they are exhibiting non-cooperation due to misinformation. Karnataka's population is approximately seven crore, and this survey aims to evaluate their economic, educational, and social conditions."

Siddaramaiah emphasized, "It is crucial to understand that the caste survey is not exclusively for backward classes. If individuals from Infosys claim this, does it imply they consider themselves superior? The state government has clarified that this survey encompasses the entire populace."

He continued, "Much like the Shakti scheme that assists both impoverished and upper-caste individuals, this census includes all societal segments."

The Chief Minister pointed out, "False information has been disseminated. The state government has disseminated advertisements and communicated messages through various channels to raise awareness. To presume that this is a survey only targeting backward classes is misguided."

In commenting on the Infosys founders' withdrawal from the caste survey, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remarked that participation is voluntary and they cannot be compelled to provide information.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took part in the caste survey for over 45 minutes in Bengaluru, urging the public to engage and share their information freely.

"The Karnataka government cannot force anyone. Providing their information for the survey is a personal choice. What I can assert is that participation cannot be mandated," Shivakumar stated.

At his residence in Cauvery, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah patiently responded for more than 45 minutes to the enumerators conducting the economic, social, and educational survey.

Siddaramaiah diligently answered all queries from the enumerators, providing comprehensive information.

"It is imperative for everyone to engage in this survey and provide honest information. Only with accurate data can we understand the true conditions of society, helping to identify economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged groups and develop welfare programs for their advancement," Siddaramaiah said.

Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy have opted out of the ongoing contentious caste census being conducted by the Congress-led government in Karnataka.

Both have submitted a self-attested letter to the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, the autonomous body facilitating the survey.

In the official survey form, Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy indicated they are declining to provide details for personal reasons.

"Our family will not participate in the caste census, and we affirm this through this letter," stated the letter.

They further clarified that they do not belong to any backward caste and that their involvement in the survey would not benefit the state government.

"Therefore, we are not participating in the caste census organized by the Karnataka government," Narayana Murthy mentioned in the letter.