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Karnataka Minister Defends Sudha Murty's Caste Survey Boycott Decision

Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad has responded to Sudha Murty's decision to skip the state's caste survey. He emphasized that the government cannot force anyone to participate in the socio-economic study. The Murty family refused to provide personal details, stating they don't belong to a backward community. Meanwhile, the survey continues across Karnataka with extended deadlines for completion.

Key Points: Santosh Lad on Sudha Murty Karnataka Caste Survey Refusal

  • Minister Santosh Lad respects Sudha Murty's personal decision on caste survey participation
  • Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy refused survey citing non-backward community status
  • Karnataka government extends survey deadline for Bengaluru until October 24
  • Survey aims to enumerate seven crore people for socio-economic insights
2 min read

It's her choice: Karnataka Minister on Sudha Murty's decision to not join caste survey

Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad respects Sudha Murty's decision to skip caste survey, says government cannot force participation in socio-economic study.

"Whatever she has said, it's a way of expression. It's her choice. As a government, we cannot force anyone to participate in this. - Santosh Lad"

Bengaluru, October 16

Congress Leader and Minister of Labour Department of Karnataka, Santosh Lad, reacted to Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty's decision not to participate in the socio-economic survey.

"Whatever she has said, it's a way of expression. It's her choice. As a government, we cannot force anyone to participate in this. Who is influential or not...it is subjective. It is very debatable. I don't think it would have any impact on society. If she has taken her stand, I will respect her," he stated.

The comment comes after Sudha Murty and her husband, and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, declined to participate in the socio-economic and education survey, commonly known as the caste survey in Karnataka, being conducted by the Congress-led government in the state.

Murty, in a self-attested letter to the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, stated that the family's refusal to participate in the survey was due to their belief that they do not belong to a backward community and therefore would not participate in this survey.

In the letter, Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty stated that they were refusing to provide personal details. "We and our family will not participate in the census, and we are confirming it through this letter," the letter read.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Tuesday that government schools in the State Will Be Closed from October 8 to October 18, allowing teachers involved in the ongoing social and educational survey to complete their work.

Karnataka's socio-economic and educational survey started on September 22 and is scheduled to conclude on October 12 for the rest of the State, and October 24 for Bengaluru, following an extension from the original October 7 deadline. The survey aims to enumerate approximately seven crore people in the state and gain insight into their social and economic status within society.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This caste survey is important for understanding ground realities and planning welfare schemes. While I respect individual choices, influential figures like the Murthys should lead by example and participate. Their refusal might encourage others to opt out too. 🤔
A
Arjun K
Santosh Lad's response is mature and democratic. In a free country, people should have the right to choose whether to participate in such surveys. Forcing anyone would be against our constitutional values. Well said, Minister! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in India for 5 years, I find this debate fascinating. Back home, we don't have caste-based surveys. But here, it seems necessary for equitable development. The Murthys' stance raises valid questions about privacy and purpose.
K
Karthik V
Closing schools for 10 days just for this survey? That's affecting children's education! The government should find better ways to conduct surveys without disrupting academic schedules. This seems poorly planned. 😠
M
Meera T
Sudha Murty has always been an inspiration to millions of Indians. Her decision reflects honesty and integrity. Not everyone needs to follow the herd mentality. Sometimes standing by your convictions is more important than conforming. 🙏
V
Vikram M

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