Is the Karnataka caste census deadline going to be extended?
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government's caste census, aimed at gathering vital socio-economic data, faces delays due to technical issues and confusion. With the October 7 deadline nearing, an extension seems imminent, raising questions about the implications for marginalized communities. What does this mean for the future of welfare policies in the state?
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka caste census aims to collect data from around 7 crore people.
- Technical difficulties have prompted a potential deadline extension.
- The survey is crucial for formulating effective welfare policies.
- The opposition party has voiced strong opposition to the initiative.
- The government emphasizes the importance of privacy during the survey.
Bengaluru, Oct 6 (NationPress) The Congress-led administration in Karnataka is poised to extend the deadline of October 7 for finalizing the contentious Socio-Economic and Academic Survey, widely referred to as the caste census, according to insider information shared on Monday.
This extension is anticipated to be revealed by this evening or Tuesday, prompted by a sluggish enumeration pace, technical issues, and widespread confusion, which have hindered the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC) from completing the task within the 15-day period deemed as insufficient.
Insiders suggest that the deadline could be prolonged by a minimum of ten days.
Initiated on September 22, the survey aims to gather data from roughly 7 crore individuals across 2 crore households, utilizing a 60-question survey tool.
The government asserts that this initiative is crucial for developing robust welfare policies and integrating marginalized communities into the socio-economic framework.
The caste census commenced on Saturday within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) jurisdiction, which includes five city corporations.
The opposition party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has vehemently contested the initiative.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and several BJP figures have urged citizens to refrain from sharing personal information.
The High Court has mandated the government to protect privacy and avoid coercing individuals to provide data during the survey.
"We are not against the caste census. The Congress-led government is engaging in divisive tactics under its guise. They are attempting to fracture Hindu society," charged BJP state president BY Vijayendra.
Recent official data disclosed on Sunday evening indicated that the survey has been finalized in nearly 1.09 crore households, encompassing details for 4.10 crore individuals, representing 76.43 percent of the targeted total.
Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress leader DK Shivakumar reaffirmed that the social and educational survey will persist despite opposition.
“The Court has declared that individuals are not obligated to respond to specific inquiries if they choose not to. Given this context, there is no rationale to altogether reject the survey. We are undertaking this initiative due to prior objections to the former survey. I urge everyone's cooperation,” he stated.
When questioned about the possibility of completing the survey in the upcoming days, he responded, “The relevant authorities will reassess the timelines.”
The Karnataka government is executing the caste census from September 22 to October 7, at an estimated expenditure of Rs 420 crore.
To guarantee extensive participation, approximately 1.75 lakh government school educators have been assigned to assist during the Dusshera holidays.
In 2015, the Congress administration led by Siddaramaiah conducted a caste census for Rs 165.51 crore, but it was later dismissed following criticism and intervention from the Congress leadership.
Point of View
The caste census represents a significant initiative aimed at understanding and addressing the socio-economic disparities within India's diverse population. While the Congress government believes this data is essential for crafting effective welfare policies, the opposition raises concerns about privacy and political motivations. This ongoing discourse highlights the delicate balance between data collection for societal benefit and the need for individual privacy and autonomy.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the caste census in Karnataka?
The caste census is a Socio-Economic and Academic Survey aimed at collecting data on the socio-economic status of different communities in Karnataka.
Why is the deadline for the caste census being extended?
The extension is necessary due to the slow pace of enumeration, technical issues, and confusion among the public regarding the survey.
What are the implications of the caste census?
The census aims to inform welfare policies and ensure marginalized communities are adequately represented and supported.
What concerns have been raised by the opposition?
The BJP has expressed concerns regarding privacy and accused the Congress government of trying to divide society.
How is the survey being conducted?
The survey is being conducted with approximately 1.75 lakh government teachers deployed to collect data from around 7 crore individuals.
