Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has deferred a decision on the release of the state's socio-economic and educational census, commonly referred to as the 'caste census', until he receives the report next month. This announcement comes amid mounting pressure on his government to disclose the findings.
Siddaramaiah's statement follows the recent release of caste survey data by the Bihar government. The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, led by chairperson K. Jayaprakash, is set to submit the caste census report to the state government in November.
The Chief Minister explained, "When the Kantharaj headed commission submitted the report, the then Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy did not act on it. Now, with a different chairman leading the commission, I have requested that the report filed by Kantharaj be submitted as is. He has confirmed that the report will be presented in November."
Responding to demands for separate categorization of the most backward classes, Siddaramaiah emphasized that the government cannot act independently on this matter. He stated, "A report should be available... Once the backward classes commission report is received, we will consider the matter."
In 2015, during the tenure of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, a social-economic and educational survey, with an estimated cost of Rs 170 crore, was commissioned in the state. However, the findings of this survey have not yet been made public. The State Backward Classes Commission, under then-chairperson H. Kantharaj, was responsible for preparing the caste census report.
Analysts suggest that successive governments have refrained from releasing the report due to findings that challenge the "traditional perception" of caste strengths in Karnataka, particularly among dominant groups like the Lingayats and Vokkaligas. This has turned the report into a sensitive political issue.
Various political parties in the state have blamed each other for not accepting the survey and for not disclosing its results. Officials have cited technical hurdles, including the then member-secretary of the State Commission for Backward Classes not signing the final report, as reasons for delaying the report's release. Currently, the caste census report is with the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, and the cabinet will make a decision once it is submitted.
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged statement accusing the Congress and its allies of attempting to divide society with the caste census, Siddaramaiah disagreed. He emphasized that the census would not divide society and explained the importance of such data for poverty alleviation programs and achieving social equality. Siddaramaiah stated that understanding the social, economic, and educational conditions of various communities is essential for building a more equitable society and eliminating inequalities.
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