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Key Points

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has defended the state's caste census, stating it's essential for social justice. He criticized the BJP-led Centre for not conducting similar socio-economic surveys. The Congress government cites a legal mandate requiring a re-survey every decade. Meanwhile, BJP faces accusations of neglecting caste-based data despite ruling at the Centre.

Key Points: Siddaramaiah Says Centre Not Conducting Caste Census Like Karnataka

  • Siddaramaiah emphasizes need for fresh caste census for social justice
  • BJP-led Centre not conducting similar surveys, says Karnataka CM
  • Congress defends survey citing legal mandate for re-survey every 10 years
  • Opposition BJP accused of neglecting caste census despite ruling Centre
2 min read

Centre not conducting social, educational, economic survey like us: K'taka CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah defends state's caste census, criticizes BJP-led Centre for not conducting similar socio-economic surveys for social justice.

"What we are doing is a social, educational, and economic survey, which also includes a caste census – CM Siddaramaiah"

Davanagere

, June 16 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday stated that to ensure social justice, it is essential to understand the social and economic conditions of the people.

He emphasised that a fresh survey is necessary for this purpose and further underlined that the Union Government is not conducting a social, economic, and educational survey.

Speaking to reporters in Davanagere, the Chief Minister said the Union Government is conducting the Census from 2027 but has not indicated that it will conduct a social, educational, and economic survey.

"What we are doing is a social, educational, and economic survey, which also includes a caste census," he clarified.

CM Siddaramaiah added, "We have no objection to the Union Government conducting the census. However, there is a difference between our survey and theirs regarding the social, educational, and economic aspects.”

Objections were raised by both the general and weaker sections of society regarding the caste census report. Most importantly, Section 11(1) of the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands) Act mandates a re-survey after 10 years of the previous report, CM Siddaramaiah clarified.

He stated that the current re-survey is being undertaken based on this provision.

Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa stated in Bengaluru that a caste census is necessary for delivering good administration, but the BJP has never undertaken such an exercise.

He added that the BJP, which has been ruling at the Centre for the last two terms, has not bothered to conduct a caste census, implying that what was needed has not been done at all.

"Every day, the population of the country is increasing, and measures to control the population need to be undertaken. The number of constituencies should not be increased on the basis of population," he stated.

Senior Congress MLA, Laxman Savadi stated in Bengaluru that to address the shortcomings of the caste census, the state government is undertaking a fresh survey.

According to Savadi, a few communities had opposed the caste census report, and to address this, the Congress high command had spoken to the Chief Minister, leading to the announcement of a fresh survey. He believes this new survey will rectify the lapses in the older one.

Savadi further added, "This would help us. Let the central government also carry out a caste census; our caste census will help to analyze facts."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally, a CM who understands the importance of data-driven governance! 👏 Without proper surveys, how can policies be framed for upliftment? Centre should take notes from Karnataka's initiative.
P
Priya M.
While surveys are important, I'm concerned about the cost to taxpayers. How many crores will this fresh survey spend? Couldn't they update existing data instead of starting from scratch?
S
Sanjay T.
Good move by Karnataka govt. In our diverse country, one-size-fits-all policies don't work. Each state has unique challenges that need local data. Hope other states follow this example.
A
Ananya R.
The timing seems political though... election season is coming. Will the survey results be used objectively or just to create vote banks? 🤔 Transparency in methodology is crucial.
V
Vikram D.
As someone from Karnataka, I appreciate this effort. Our state has always been progressive in social justice matters. Hope the data helps in better allocation of resources to those who need it most.
M
Meera S.
The BJP's opposition to caste census at national level is disappointing. How can we solve problems without knowing the ground reality? Karnataka is showing the way forward for inclusive development.
K
Karthik N.
While I support data collection, I hope this doesn't lead to further division in society. The focus should be on economic status rather than just caste. Let's not forget 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

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