Karnataka Minister Affirms Accuracy of Caste Census Reports
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Synopsis
Karnataka Minister H.K. Patil confirmed that media reports on the caste census are accurate, with a final decision expected on May 2, following extensive discussions within the Cabinet.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Minister H.K. Patil supports accuracy of caste census reports.
- A final decision on the caste census is slated for May 2.
- Discussions regarding the census methodology are ongoing.
- 94.17% of the population was included in the caste census.
- Misconceptions about caste population figures exist.
Bengaluru, April 17 (NationPress) The Karnataka Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, H.K. Patil, asserted on Thursday that media narratives concerning the caste census are accurate. A decisive conclusion regarding the report is anticipated on May 2.
“Much of the information circulating in the media is not incorrect. The Cabinet has engaged in extensive discussions surrounding the study report derived from the 2015 Social and Educational Survey (caste census). Additional information and technical specifications are needed for further evaluation, and senior officials have been tasked with providing these details. The discourse remains unfinished,” the minister stated after a special Cabinet assembly led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday evening.
He noted that the discussions were characterized by a cordial atmosphere, addressing topics such as population-based disadvantage and the criteria used during the survey.
As the conversation could not be concluded, it will continue in the next Cabinet meeting scheduled for April 24 at Male Mahadeshwara Hills, where specific regional issues will also be tackled.
“We expect to reach a final decision on the report during the Cabinet meeting on May 2,” the minister remarked.
Furthermore, the Cabinet deliberated on the methodologies used in the survey, including data sources and techniques.
“Several senior ministers provided insights on these topics. Officials will present the necessary information in the forthcoming Cabinet meeting,” the minister added.
He reiterated that the government has recently received the report and discussed various aspects of the social and educational survey.
The minister clarified that misconceptions surrounding caste-based population statistics are prevalent, and those figures lack accuracy.
He stressed that 94.17 percent of the population was included in the survey.
He further mentioned that a summary of the survey report has already been published in newspapers and that the Cabinet has reviewed the submitted report.
Reacting to developments regarding the caste census survey in Kalaburagi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge remarked that it is standard for state governments to conduct caste-based censuses, emphasizing that the recently conducted caste census falls entirely under the state government’s jurisdiction.
“Each state carries out its own caste census. This is not a central government initiative. Thus, we need to await the outcomes of the state Cabinet discussions,” he noted.
Kharge added, “I am not entirely informed about the specifics of the state’s caste census report as I have not personally reviewed it. There are some objections regarding the caste census report, but I wish to clarify that this is merely my individual perspective.”
