Will Karnataka Government Launch a New Caste Census from September 22?

Bengaluru, July 23 (NationPress) In a significant move, the Congress-led government in Karnataka has declared that it will initiate a new caste census in the state starting on September 22, aiming for completion by October 7, with the assistance of 1.65 lakh personnel.

The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) revealed that this decision was made during a preparatory meeting on the 'Social and Educational Survey', which was presided over by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

"The survey must be scientific and transparent. We must seek support from an expert committee to finalize the set of questions to be included. This time, approximately 1.65 lakh enumerators will be necessary for the survey. In addition to teachers, staff from various departments will be involved. All relevant departments must collaborate to ensure the survey's success," the Chief Minister emphasized in the meeting.

"The survey is set to last for 15 days, from September 22 to October 7, with the report to be submitted by the end of October," he instructed, urging officials to commence preparatory activities, including training, without delay.

The Backward Classes Commission has proposed conducting a social and educational survey covering all 7 crore residents of the state. The Chief Minister stated that the primary goal of the survey is to combat caste-based discrimination, according to the CMO.

A thorough survey is required to evaluate the economic status of every individual in the state, including land ownership. The findings will serve as a basis for the upcoming state budget. This survey is expected to set a precedent for the entire country, Siddaramaiah told officials.

The survey must be executed with the highest level of accuracy. All necessary precautions should be taken to avoid any complaints, ensuring that no individual is overlooked, he stressed during the session.

Previously, the Kantharaj Commission had prepared 54 questions for a manual survey. This time, there are plans to incorporate additional aspects. The new survey will utilize a mobile application, and a study will be conducted on the ongoing social and educational survey in Telangana. A high-level committee will be established to oversee the survey process, as directed by CM Siddaramaiah.

A detailed plan must be devised and executed to guarantee the successful conduction of the survey in the Bengaluru urban area, he insisted.

Among those present at the meeting were Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission Chairman Madhu Sudan R. Naik, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, the Chief Minister’s legal advisor Ponnanna, and senior officials, as reported by the CMO.

Following high command directives, the initial caste census report, prepared at a cost of approximately Rs 160 crore, was discarded by the Siddaramaiah government. Known as CM Siddaramaiah's key initiative, the previous caste census report faced strong opposition from various communities, including the influential Lingayat and Vokkaliga groups.