Mangaluru: Ahead of the social and educational survey (caste census) that the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission will conduct from September 22, a meeting of Muslim jamaats and organisation leaders of Dakshina Kannada district was held under the leadership of Zeenath Baksh Jumma Masjid and the Muslim Central Committee on Wednesday evening at the Yenepoya Hospital auditorium in Mangaluru.

In the meeting, the Commission’s Secretary, Urmila B, explained how the caste census survey will be conducted and what kind of questions the teachers visiting households will ask. She later responded to the queries raised by the participants.

Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader, who spoke at the meeting, highlighted the importance of the survey and urged everyone to participate without fail and provide correct information. He also appealed to the public to share information with the surveyors at the earliest and extend full cooperation.

Following this, a discussion was held among jamaat and organisation leaders on how to respond to questions on religion, caste and sub-caste in the caste census.

After deliberations, the following decisions were taken:

Since the survey will be a new experience for villagers and those with limited education, there is a possibility of confusion. Therefore, social workers, activists and all community organisations must extend their support. Mosques, madrasas, organisations, local jamaats, committees, youth groups and community volunteers should take up awareness programmes among Muslims. With limited time available for preparations, immediate action must be taken.

All individuals and families in the community must be mentally prepared for the census. When government officials visit their homes, they must be welcomed with respect and given full cooperation.

Before September 22, every family should keep ready their ration card, Aadhaar card of all members above six years of age, voter ID card and other necessary documents.

Even if the questionnaire looks lengthy, there is no need to panic. People should answer only the questions they know. For questions they do not know, they can simply respond that they do not know.

In Column 8 of the questionnaire, where religion is asked, all Muslims should mention ‘Islam’.

In Column 9, where caste is asked, Muslims should write ‘Muslim’.

In Column 10, which seeks details of sub-caste, those belonging to the Beary community should write ‘Beary’. Others may mention their specific group, such as Khassab, Kasai, Attari, etc. Alternatively, they may also write only ‘Muslim’.

In Column 15, regarding mother tongue, Beary-speaking people should mention ‘Beary’. Those speaking Urdu, Nawayathi or other languages should write the name of their respective language.

The questionnaire contains 60 questions, but many of them will not apply to everyone. Such questions need not be answered, and respondents may simply say they do not know.

The meeting was attended by Zeenath Baksh Jumma Masjid President Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi, Central Committee President Alhaj K S Muhammad Masood, S M Rasheed Haji, Hanif Haji, Abdussalam Puthige, former Mayor Ashraf, and leaders of other major organisations.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.

The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.

The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.

As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.

The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.