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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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
