Karnataka's socio-educational survey distinct from Centre’s caste census: CM Siddaramaiah
Davangere (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday clarified that his government’s upcoming socio-educational and caste survey is fundamentally different from the Centre's caste census, emphasising that the state's initiative is driven by the imperative of social justice.
His comments follow a gazette notification stating that the nationwide caste census would commence from March 1, 2027 while in certain regions like the Union Territory of Ladakh, snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from October 1, 2026.
Addressing reporters here, Siddaramaiah said, “The Centre is doing a caste census, which will be taken up from 2027. However, it has not said that it will conduct a socio-educational survey. What we are going to do is a socio-educational survey. Caste census will also come under its purview.”
He reiterated that the Karnataka government has no objection to the Centre’s census but underscored the scope and intent of the state's exercise.
“The Centre is only doing a caste census, while we are undertaking a comprehensive socio-educational and caste survey. The distinction is important.”
According to Siddaramaiah, the purpose of the state survey is to gather data that can inform effective welfare measures for backward and marginalised communities.
“We are doing this because, for social justice, we must know the socio-economic and educational status of the people. Without knowing that, it becomes difficult to implement meaningful welfare programmes,” he explained.
Asked about the pressure from dominant communities objecting to the previous survey, the CM dismissed the allegation and noted that objections to the earlier survey came from both dominant and deprived communities.
“More importantly, it’s been 10 years since the earlier survey was initiated. As per Section 11 of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes Act, a new report must be prepared after every 10 years. That is the legal and administrative basis for our decision to order a fresh survey,” he added.
Siddaramaiah further said that he has already instructed the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes to commence the survey work without delay.
“I have already ordered the Backward Classes Commission to do it immediately,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid an ongoing national debate surrounding caste-based enumeration and its implications for policymaking.
Karnataka had, in 2015, undertaken a socio-economic and caste census, but its findings were never officially published due to controversy and pushback from various quarters.
The state cabinet on June 12 decided to carry out a fresh survey, aiming to gather updated data.
The move follows a directive from the Congress high command, urging the state to initiate caste re-enumeration amid rising concerns from several communities that they were excluded or misrepresented in the earlier survey conducted a decade ago.
The announcement also comes at a time when the cabinet was already reviewing the findings of the Socio-Educational Survey submitted to the government, which was based on the 2015 data collection.
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Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”
“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”
“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.
“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.
Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”
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