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Key Points

Karnataka’s cabinet will review the caste census data after multiple communities flagged discrepancies in the survey. Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the discussion, citing concerns over underrepresentation. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar accused the BJP of hypocrisy for opposing the re-survey despite rejecting the earlier report. The move follows similar caste census initiatives in Bihar and Telangana.

Key Points: Karnataka Cabinet to Review Caste Census Data Amid Community Concerns

  • Karnataka cabinet to address caste census discrepancies
  • BJP criticized for opposing re-survey despite earlier rejection
  • Communities like Lambanis, Jains raise concerns
  • Congress-led states Karnataka, Telangana push for caste-based data
3 min read

Will discuss it in cabinet meeting today, says Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on caste census

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara says cabinet will discuss caste census re-survey after complaints of missing or incorrect data from communities.

"We will review it in today’s special cabinet meeting... Some have said their numbers are less than the actual. - G Parameshwara"

Bengaluru, June 12

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that today's cabinet meeting will discuss the caste census re-survey, as several communities have raised concerns about missing or incorrect data.

Speaking to mediapersons, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "We will discuss it in today's cabinet meeting. Many people have raised many questions. Therefore, we will review it in today's special cabinet meeting. We also discussed whether it should be taken to the session. The party high command has also asked us to review it. Some people have said that our community has been left out. Some have said their numbers are less than the actual. That is why we are discussing it today."

Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar questioned the BJP's intention in questioning the state government's decision to re-conduct the caste census.

"The BJP was opposed to the earlier caste census, citing data sanctity issues. We have announced a redo of the census, but the BJP is still opposing this too," he said, while speaking to reporters here.

Asked about BJP criticising the decision to reconduct the caste census, he said, "The BJP did not accept the earlier caste census report, why the opposition now when we are trying to address the concerns? We are not rejecting the earlier census, we are only trying to correct the shortcomings of the earlier survey in order to allay concerns of several communities."

Asked if the survey would be conducted in a scientific manner this time, he said, "The modalities would be discussed in the Cabinet meeting. Several communities, including Lambanis, Jains, Bestha communities had met me and raised concerns on the earlier survey. The previous survey was also done scientifically through door-to-door visits, but some of the people were hesitant to share their caste details. Our national leaders have given us certain guidelines. The AICC President too has given us many suggestions. The CM will discuss this in the Cabinet meeting and make a decision."

Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana have already conducted a caste census in their respective state. Telangana has also implemented a 42 per cent backwards class reservation for people in the state.

The Karnataka State Commission for Backwards Classes has also submitted the caste census (socio, economic and educational survey) report to the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet. The caste census report, if released, will be the second by a Congress-ruled state, after Telangana.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This caste census is long overdue! How can we have proper reservation policies without accurate data? Some communities have been underrepresented for decades. Hope the government does it properly this time 🤞
P
Priya M.
Why is BJP opposing this when they themselves conducted similar surveys in other states? This hypocrisy is frustrating. Every citizen deserves proper representation based on actual population numbers.
S
Sanjay T.
The government must ensure complete transparency in this process. Last time there were many complaints about data collection methods. Maybe they should involve independent observers this time.
A
Ananya R.
While I understand the need for caste census, I hope this doesn't become another tool for political parties to divide people. The focus should be on development for all, not just reservation politics.
V
Vikram S.
Good move by Karnataka government! Other states should follow suit. Accurate data is crucial for policymaking. But they must ensure the survey is foolproof - no room for errors or manipulation.
N
Neha P.
The hesitation to share caste details is understandable in today's times. Maybe the government should assure people that this data won't be misused. Proper safeguards are needed for such sensitive information.

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