Is Karnataka Cabinet Planning a Fresh Caste Census Survey? Siddaramaiah Weighs In
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed that the state Cabinet will conduct a new caste census survey to assess the status of Backward Classes. This decision follows a decade since the last survey, aiming to ensure social justice. The Chief Minister emphasizes the commitment to address evolving social landscapes through this initiative.
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to conduct a new caste census survey after a decade.
- The survey aims to assess the social and educational status of Backward Classes.
- The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission will oversee the survey.
- The report from the previous survey became invalid after ten years.
- Timely data is crucial for effective policymaking and social justice initiatives.
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 conditions 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 it has been a decade since the previous survey.
During a press briefing at the Vidhana Soudha Conference Hall in Bengaluru, he discussed the resolution adopted during a special Cabinet meeting concerning the caste census.
He mentioned that the state government will urge the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission to complete this survey within 90 days, citing that Telangana accomplished its survey in just 70 days.
When asked how this survey differs from the Central government's caste census, the Chief Minister clarified that the Central government has not indicated any plans to conduct a socio-educational survey.
"When we (Congress government) inquired if they (Centre) would undertake a socio-educational survey, they did not respond. Hence, we are proceeding with it. Our commitment lies in ensuring social justice based on the findings of the socio-educational survey report," CM Siddaramaiah remarked.
He noted that the last Cabinet meeting had resolved to conduct a final discussion on Thursday regarding the caste census report submitted by the Permanent Backward Classes Commission, thus today's conversation was entirely dedicated to this subject.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the social and educational survey was based on 54 parameters and entailed door-to-door visits.
According to the 2011 census, Karnataka's population was recorded at 6.11 crore, which was estimated at 6.35 crore by 2015.
Out of this 6.35 crore population, 5.98 crore individuals were surveyed.
The survey commenced on April 11, 2015, and concluded on May 30, 2015, with the participation of 1.6 lakh staff and 1.33 lakh teachers.
Siddaramaiah remarked that during his previous term as Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018, the report and its recommendations were never finalized.
In 2018, a coalition government was formed with the current Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy serving as Chief Minister and Puttarangashetty as the Backward Classes Minister, which subsequently led to the completion of the report.
When the then Commission Chairman H. Kantharaju and Commission members approached Minister Puttarangashetty to request the acceptance of the report, the then Chief Minister Kumaraswamy exerted pressure to not accept it, and thus 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. Eventually, our (Congress) government received the report, which was presented to the state Cabinet in 2025. Cabinet members shared their insights, and ultimately, the report was discussed today," CM Siddaramaiah stated.
He acknowledged that per Section 11(2), the guidance of the Commission's Chairman, Madhusudhan Nayak, will also be sought.
In response to a reporter's inquiry on this topic, the Chief Minister explained that according to Section 11 of the Act, a survey report becomes invalid after ten years due to population changes as well as social and educational developments.
When asked about the promise in the manifesto to implement the report, CM Siddaramaiah indicated that considering the evolving social landscape and direction from the Congress high command, the Cabinet decided on Thursday to conduct a new survey.
Retired Advocate General Madhusudhan R. Naik currently chairs the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.
"Other Commission members are still to be appointed. We will reach out to Madhusudhan R. Naik to discuss the survey," Siddaramaiah mentioned.
Section 9 (2) of the Backward Classes Commission Act, 1995, mandates a survey focused on the social and educational status and challenges faced by individuals belonging to Backward Classes.
The amendment was enacted in 2014.
Section 9(3) outlines the oversight of welfare programs for Backward Classes.
Section 9(1) grants the Commission the authority to evaluate applications and include or exclude classes from the Backward Classes list.
Thus, the Cabinet's decision on Thursday aims to execute a new survey, with the Commission's guidance to follow in the forthcoming days, as stated by the Chief Minister.
"Population increases occur over a decade. Economic, social, and educational transformations also take place. Consequently, the Act necessitates a survey to be conducted every ten years. We are adhering to this requirement. The Congress high command only provided advice on this; we are undertaking legal measures," he informed a media representative.
Addressing concerns raised by the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities about the previous survey, the Chief Minister stated that they are pursuing legal actions in accordance with Section 11.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of Karnataka's decision to conduct a fresh caste census survey. This initiative reflects the state's commitment to addressing social and educational disparities among Backward Classes. In today's rapidly changing socio-economic landscape, timely and accurate data is vital for effective policymaking. The government must ensure transparency and inclusiveness throughout this process to foster trust among all communities.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the fresh caste census survey?
The fresh caste census survey aims to assess the social and educational status of Backward Classes, ensuring that the government has accurate and current data to address their needs effectively.
How often is the caste census survey conducted?
According to the Backward Classes Commission Act, a caste census survey should be conducted every ten years to account for changes in population and social conditions.
What will happen to the previous survey data?
The previous survey data will become invalid after ten years, necessitating the need for a new survey to reflect the current socio-educational landscape.
Who will oversee the new survey?
The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission will oversee the new survey, and its Chairman, Madhusudhan Nayak, will provide guidance during the process.
What are the implications of the caste census survey?
The implications of the caste census survey include better policymaking for social welfare programs and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support the Backward Classes.
