Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Announces 15-Day Caste Census From September 22, Report To Be Submitted By October-End News24 –

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday announced that the state government will conduct a new social and educational survey (caste census) in the state for 15 days. The survey will start from September 22 and continue till October 7. Its report will be submitted to the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission by the end of October, and it will help in deciding the direction of the state’s upcoming budget.

A preliminary meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah said that the Backward Classes Commission has proposed this census, under which nearly seven crores people will be surveyed. He said the purpose of this survey is to eliminate caste inequality. 

Apart from this, the economic condition and land ownership of the citizens will also be surveyed. The Chief Minister talked about making it a model survey of the country and directed the officials to start its preparation, especially training, immediately.

Earlier on June 12, the Cabinet decided to conduct a fresh survey as the one conducted in 2015 for Rs 165 crore was declared invalid due to legal reasons. The survey is being conducted under Section 11(1) of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission Act, 1995, which provides for reviewing the list of backward classes every ten years. The move was taken following directions from the Congress leadership, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, to include communities left out in the last census.

The Chief Minister also clarified that the survey would be more comprehensive, and would incorporate the use of a mobile app. The last time a manual survey was conducted by the Kantharaju Commission, which included 54 questions. This time the questions would be finalised with the help of an expert committee.

A high-level committee would be formed to monitor the survey, and instructions have been given to learn from a similar survey in Telangana. Emphasis was also laid on adopting a scientific, fair and transparent process.

To carry out this work, about 1.65 lakh enumerators will be required, including teachers and employees from various government departments. will be taken. The Chief Minister appealed to all the departments to make this census successful by maintaining mutual coordination.

Backward Class Welfare Minister Shivraj Thangadgi, Commission Chairman Madhusudan R. Naik, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, MLA and Chief Minister’s legal advisor Ponnanna and other senior officials were present in the meeting.