Citizens’ group terms resistance to K'taka socio-educational survey “irrational, anti-marginalised"
Bengaluru: Participants at a panel discussion on Sunday criticised the opposition to Karnataka’s ongoing socio-educational survey, commonly referred to as the caste census, describing the resistance as irrational and detrimental to the welfare of marginalised communities and the state’s overall development.
The discussion, organised by the citizens’ collective Bahutva Karnataka, brought together experts including academic and writer Professor A. Narayana, former head of the Department of Women’s Studies at Karnataka Women’s University Professor R. Sunandamma, research scholar Dr Azhar, and journalist Anisha Sheth.
Professor Narayana said it was concerning that an exercise aimed at gathering data had become a point of contention. “Development in India has largely benefited some groups over others. Without updated and reliable data, it is difficult to ensure equitable growth,” Deccan Herald quoted him as saying. He added that in the absence of fresh data since the 1931 census, the current survey holds great significance.
Professor Sunandamma observed that the earlier 2015 survey report had shortcomings, as several of its conclusions were not adequately substantiated. She said the new survey must address those gaps to ensure credibility.
Dr Azhar pointed out that previous reports of Karnataka’s Backward Classes Commissions consistently showed that religious minorities, particularly Christians and Muslims, remain underdeveloped in terms of education, employment, and gender balance. He said that while governments often announce welfare schemes for minorities, there is little focus on long-term development and poor utilisation of allocated funds. “This survey could provide the foundation for evidence-based policies to improve social and educational outcomes among minorities,” he added.
Journalist Anisha Sheth observed that both the government and the commission had not sufficiently communicated the constitutional and legal basis of the survey to the public. She noted that dominant castes had earlier criticised the 2015 survey as unscientific without providing valid reasoning. “A survey that covered 94 percent of the state cannot simply be dismissed as unscientific,” she said, urging better communication and transparency in the process.
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Ready to face no-confidence motion, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Hassan (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that the Congress government led by him was ready to face the no-confidence motion if moved by the opposition during the legislature session from December 8.
With Deputy CM D K Shivakumar by his side, he reiterated that they would both abide by the high command's decision on the leadership issue.
"Let them (opposition) bring in a no-confidence motion or adjournment motion or any other motion. We are ready to face it. Ours is an open book, transparent government. We are ready to face anything," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.
However, BJP state President B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, clarified that the party, along with the JD(S) has not discussed or decided anything so far regarding moving a no-confidence motion against the government.
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The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
Not wanting to react to a question on the leadership issue, the CM said the Congress high command is very strong.
"D K Shivakumar and I will be committed to whatever the high command decides," he said.
Earlier in the day in Bengaluru, Shivakumar accompanied AICC Mallikarjun Kharge till airport from Vidhana Soudha, after paying tributes to B R Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary, which had led to some speculation about possible discussion between the two on the leadership issue.
The power tussle within the ruling party had intensified amid speculation about a change in chief minister in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
However, both the CM and Deputy CM had recently held breakfast meetings at each others residences, on the instructions of the high command, which is seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
