Decline in Scheduled Caste population in Karnataka raises concerns
Bengaluru: A recent survey on the Scheduled Caste (SC) population in Karnataka, overseen by Justice Nagamohan Das, has revealed a decline in SC numbers—contradicting national and historical state trends that indicate steady growth.
While the SC population in the state as per the 2011 census was 18%, it may have reduced by one or two per cent as per the latest SC survey, pending the completion of the enumeration, as reported by The New Indian Express on Wednesday.
The findings have triggered alarm among policymakers, demographers, and advocates of social justice, given their implications for representation and resource allocation. Justice Das acknowledged the observed dip. “Yes, I too have noticed the decline. It could either be because SCs have migrated out of Bengaluru to other districts—which is supported by higher SC figures in thirteen districts—or due to social taboo. Many may have hesitated to identify themselves as SCs,” TNIE quoted Das as saying.
While the survey concluded in all parts of the state on Monday, data collection has been extended by six days in Bengaluru city and its urban periphery, which officials believe may help explain the initial drop in figures.
“We have covered 95% of other areas and there is no issue there. But for Bengaluru and surrounding urban areas, we have sought time till July 6 to complete data collection,” Das stated.
Sources quoted in the report noted that verification protocols—such as requiring caste certificates or ration cards—may have led to the exclusion of individuals who previously misrepresented their caste identity. “While this increases the accuracy of the survey, it also lowers the final SC count,” they noted.
Sociologists and survey experts quoted by the news outlet suggest that persistent social stigma could also be a factor. “Many SC individuals still hesitate to declare their identity in public documentation,” an expert noted.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
