Why is CM Siddaramaiah Urging Full Public Participation in the Caste Survey?

Bengaluru, Sep 12 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has declared that a detailed Socio-Economic and Educational survey, commonly referred to as the caste survey, will take place from September 22 to October 7, coinciding with the Dusshera holidays.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a heartfelt appeal to all residents of Karnataka to take an active role in this significant survey.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the official residence, 'Krishna'.

"This Social and Educational Survey will be organized by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission from September 22 to October 7. Approximately 1.75 lakh teachers will be assigned to this duty, receiving an honorarium of up to Rs 20,000. The total expenditure for these honorariums is expected to reach around Rs 325 crore," CM Siddaramaiah explained.

He further revealed, "An initial budget of Rs 420 crore has been earmarked for the survey, with provisions for additional funding if required."

In his address, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of tackling issues like backwardness, poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy. Under the leadership of Madhusudhan Naik, the commission aims to conduct this survey to assess the social and educational conditions of the state's seven crore residents.

He elaborated, "The survey needs to be meticulously executed, ensuring that every individual is accounted for, with the final report due to the government by December. Teachers will be engaged during the Dusshera holidays to assist with the survey.

"It is crucial that the survey is conducted scientifically and flawlessly, adhering to the timeline and submitting the report punctually," he added.

CM Siddaramaiah noted that a previous report was submitted by the commission’s chairman, Kantaraj, in 2015. After a decade, it was deemed necessary to conduct a new survey, now under the permanent Backward Classes Commission. He pointed out that various castes exist within society, and inequalities persist. The Constitution guarantees equal opportunities for all, demanding social justice. As Dr. Ambedkar stated upon the Constitution's enactment on January 26, 1950, we were entering a society filled with disparities.

Ambedkar emphasized that to ensure the success of our independence and the survival of democracy, we must eradicate inequality, CM Siddaramaiah reinforced.

Despite the passage of years, complete elimination of inequality remains elusive. This social and educational survey aims to foster equality and provide equal opportunities, catering to the state's population of about seven crore and nearly two crore families.

Understanding the social, educational, political, and economic status of every individual is essential for effective implementation of welfare programs. Only with accurate data can we ensure these programs are successful, he stated.

"We have attempted to lessen inequality through various guarantee schemes. During our previous term, we also pursued this through initiatives like Bhagya," he mentioned.

Justice Nagamohan Das indicated that the survey will utilize advanced technology akin to the internal reservation survey. Every household will be geo-tagged via its electricity meter, with a unique UHID (Unique Household ID) assigned. To date, identifiers have been issued to 1.55 lakh households, and the survey will also reach homes lacking electricity connections, according to the CM.

During the survey, ration cards and Aadhaar cards will be linked to the household's mobile number, he clarified.

It is essential for everyone to participate in the survey, leaving no one behind. The survey will consist of 60 questions, and accurate responses are critical. Only truthful information will yield a scientific survey, he reiterated.

The commission has established a helpline at 8050770004 for the public to report complaints or seek further information. There is also an online participation option available.

Prior to the survey, ASHA workers will visit every household to distribute a sample survey form, raising awareness about the importance of accurate information. Each teacher will cover between 120 to 150 houses, the Chief Minister concluded.

CM Siddaramaiah reiterated his plea, emphasizing that precise information from every household is vital for the government to devise policies that foster a just and equitable society for all.