Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the decision to conduct a fresh caste survey in the state was directed by the Congress party high command, not solely by the Karnataka government. This announcement follows concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding the accuracy and inclusiveness of the previous caste census conducted in 2015. The decision was made after a high-level meeting in New Delhi, attended by top Congress leaders, including party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, along with Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Siddaramaiah clarified that while the state cabinet was keen on accepting the existing caste survey report, the Congress high command suggested a re-enumeration to address complaints and ensure that all communities are accurately represented. He emphasized that the government would adhere to the directions of the party seniors, underlining that the decision was not initiated at the state level. The Chief Minister also mentioned that the previous survey was conducted nearly a decade ago, making the data outdated, further justifying the need for a fresh census.
DK Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister, echoed this sentiment, stating that the re-enumeration aims to clear the air surrounding the previous census and address concerns about data accuracy and potential under-representation of certain communities. He assured that the new survey would be conducted transparently, utilizing both door-to-door and online data collection methods. This approach seeks to provide an opportunity for all residents of Karnataka, including those living outside the state, to be enumerated.
The decision to redo the caste census comes after significant opposition and concerns raised by leaders from the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities, who felt that their numbers were undercounted in the previous survey. The earlier report pegged the Lingayat population at around 11% and Vokkaligas at approximately 10.29%, which was significantly lower than previous estimations. These communities currently benefit from reservations under the OBC quota, and concerns arose that a lower population count could impact their reservation benefits.
The fresh survey is expected to be completed within 60 to 90 days. The Congress leadership has accepted the previous report "in principle" but recognizes the need to address the apprehensions from various sections of society. The goal is to ensure that the data is accurate, inclusive, and reflects the current demographic realities of Karnataka. The state government has been facing pressure from both opposition parties and its own leaders to rectify what they perceive as "unscientific data" in the existing report.
The Karnataka government's decision to conduct a fresh caste survey, under the direction of the Congress high command, highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding caste-based data collection. While the exercise aims to promote social justice and address historical inequalities, it also involves navigating political pressures and ensuring that all communities feel fairly represented. The upcoming survey will be a crucial undertaking for the state government, requiring careful planning, transparent execution, and effective communication to build trust and confidence among all stakeholders.
