Why is K'taka Cabinet Conducting a New Caste Census Survey?

Bengaluru, June 12 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday that the state Cabinet has resolved to initiate a new survey assessing the social and educational status of Backward Classes, referred to as a caste census, in accordance with Section 11(2) of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission Act, 1995, since a decade has elapsed since the previous survey.

During a press conference held at the Vidhana Soudha's Conference Hall in Bengaluru, he elaborated on the resolution regarding the caste census that was passed in a special Cabinet meeting.

The Chief Minister stated that the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission would be requested to complete the survey within 90 days, highlighting that Telangana managed to finish its survey in just 70 days.

When asked how this survey differs from the Central government's caste census, CM Siddaramaiah indicated that the Central government has not indicated any intention to conduct a socio-educational survey.

"When we (Congress government) inquired whether the Centre would undertake a socio-educational survey, there was no response. Thus, we are taking action. We are dedicated to ensuring social justice based on the outcomes of the socio-educational survey," CM Siddaramaiah remarked.

He noted that the previous Cabinet meeting had decided to engage in a final discussion regarding the caste census report submitted by the Permanent Backward Classes Commission, and thus, Thursday's discussions were solely focused on this topic.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the social and educational survey would be conducted using 54 parameters involving door-to-door assessments.

According to the 2011 census, Karnataka had a population of 6.11 crore, which was estimated to rise to 6.35 crore by 2015.

Out of this estimated population of 6.35 crore, 5.98 crore individuals were surveyed.

The survey, which commenced on April 11, 2015, and concluded on May 30, 2015, involved the participation of 1.6 lakh staff and 1.33 lakh teachers.

Siddaramaiah mentioned that during his previous tenure as Chief Minister from 2013-2018, the report and its recommendations were not finalized.

In 2018, a coalition government was formed with current Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy as Chief Minister, alongside Puttarangashetty as the Backward Classes Minister, resulting in the completion of the report.

When the then Commission Chairman H. Kantharaju and Commission members approached Minister Puttarangashetty to receive the report, the then Chief Minister Kumaraswamy pressured him not to accept it, and hence it was not received.

Later, Chairman Jayaprakash Hegde submitted recommendations based on the survey data to the state government on February 29, 2024.

"Due to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the report could not be deliberated upon. Subsequently, our (Congress) government received the report, which was presented to the state Cabinet in 2025. Cabinet members provided their feedback, and ultimately, the report was discussed today," CM Siddaramaiah shared.

He pointed out that, as per Section 11(2), the advice of the Commission's Chairman, Madhusudhan Nayak, will also be sought.

In response to a journalist's inquiry on this matter, the Chief Minister noted that as stipulated in Section 11 of the Act, a survey report loses its validity after 10 years due to changes in demographics, education, and social developments.

When questioned about the manifesto promise to implement the report, CM Siddaramaiah mentioned that considering the altered social circumstances and guidance from the Congress high command, the Cabinet decided to conduct a fresh survey.

Retired Advocate General Madhusudhan R. Naik currently serves as the Chairman of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.

"Other Commission members are yet to be appointed. Madhusudhan R. Naik will be consulted regarding the survey," Siddaramaiah explained.

According to Section 9(2) of the Backward Classes Commission Act, 1995, a survey must be conducted to assess the social and educational status and issues faced by individuals from Backward Classes.

This amendment was made in 2014.

Section 9(3) outlines the oversight of welfare programs for Backward Classes.

Section 9(1) grants the Commission the authority to review applications and add or remove classes from the Backward Classes list.

Thus, the state's Cabinet decision on Thursday is to conduct a new survey, with the Commission's counsel to be sought in the forthcoming days, the Chief Minister stated.

"The population increases over 10 years. Economic, social, and educational changes also happen. Therefore, the Act mandates a survey every decade. We are adhering to this requirement. The Congress high command has only advised on this; we are taking the necessary legal actions," he remarked.

Addressing objections from the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities concerning the previous survey, the Chief Minister stated that they are pursuing legal action as per Section 11.