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Key Points

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has strongly criticized the Karnataka government's plan to conduct a massive caste survey in just 15 days. He specifically questioned the timing, which coincides with the Navratri festival, asking if government workers are not entitled to celebrate. Kumaraswamy demanded the survey be postponed or extended to at least three months to ensure it is honest and objective. He warned that a rushed process would result in another wasted report that drains taxpayer money.

Key Points: HD Kumaraswamy Slams Karnataka 15-Day Caste Survey During Navratri

  • Kumaraswamy questions surveying 6.5 crore people in just 15 days
  • Criticizes timing during Navratri festivals for government workers
  • Demands at least 3 months for a fair, staged process
  • Warns a hasty survey helps no one and wastes public funds
3 min read

Citizens deserve honest survey, not wasted report: HD Kumaraswamy questions timing of Karnataka's caste survey

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy questions the 15-day timeline for Karnataka's caste survey during Navratri, calling for an honest exercise over a wasted report.

"Citizens deserve an honest, objective survey, not another wasted report draining taxpayers' money. - HD Kumaraswamy"

Bengaluru, September 20

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday voiced concerns over the Congress-led Karnataka government's decision to conduct a caste survey in the state within a time period of just 15 days.

He also raised concerns about the timing of the survey, urging the government to postpone or extend the timeline of the survey, saying that citizens deserve an "honest and objective" survey.

In a social media post on X, Kumaraswamy said, "I have no objection to a social-educational survey. If the Supreme Court has directed it, let it happen. But can 6.5 crore people really be surveyed in just 15 days and that too during Navaratri? Are festivals and duties only for the government, not for teachers, anganwadi workers, and officials?"

"This is not the right time. Postpone it or extend the timeline. Citizens deserve an honest, objective survey, not another wasted report draining taxpayers' money. At least 3 months are essential to conduct it in stages. A hasty survey helps no one. What we need is a fair exercise that leaves no community behind. If not, those driving this flawed process must be held accountable," the post added.

https://x.com/hd_kumaraswamy/status/1969384598456189141

Earlier today, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the proposed survey is not just a caste survey, but an economic, social and educational survey.

He said, "The survey proposed to be conducted in the state is not just a caste survey, but an economic, social and educational survey. This survey is being conducted to provide equal opportunities to the disadvantaged by obtaining details of the caste of the people, as well as their economic, social and educational conditions... The central government will also conduct a caste survey, and will there be a conspiracy in that too? No minister has expressed opposition to the survey. To bring equality in society, the poor should be given priority in government schemes."

Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the state government would start the economic and social survey from September 22 and the survey will not be postponed in the wake of criticism from the opposition.

Speaking to reporters, CM Siddaramaiah said, "The BJP is doing politics on this issue and accusing the Congress government of being anti-Hindu. All the ministers have been instructed to condemn this unanimously. The survey will start from September 22, and will not be postponed."

CM Siddaramaiah said that the Backward Classes Commission will take the final decision on the survey.

CM Siddaramaiah said that the views on the survey have been explained to the commission, and the commission will take the final decision. "The Backwards Classes Commission is a statutory body and we cannot give them any directions," the CM said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some sensible data collection for better policy making! We need accurate representation to ensure benefits reach the right people. Hope they do it properly though 🤞
S
Siddharth J
Why is everything so politicized? If the survey is for development purposes, let it happen with proper planning. Rushing through festivals shows lack of respect for cultural sensitivities.
Nisha Z
As a teacher, I'm dreading this survey period. We're already overburdened with administrative work, and now this during Navaratri? At least give us proper time and resources to do it right.
A
Aditya G
Both sides have valid arguments. We need the data for equitable development, but the timing is terrible. Compromise: extend by 1 month and allocate more staff. Better data is worth waiting for!
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how caste dynamics play out in policy making. In Western countries, we use socioeconomic data without caste parameters. Hope Karnataka gets accurate data for better targeting of welfare schemes.
K
Kavya N
The intention is good but execution matters. If they rush through it, the data will be useless and taxpayers' money wasted. Take the time to do it properly - our future policies depend on this!

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