Siddaramaiah to take call on releasing caste census after panel report in Nov
Under increasing pressure from various quarters, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Saturday that a decision regarding the release of the state’s socio-economic and educational census, commonly referred to as the ‘caste census,’ would be made once he receives the report, which is expected next month.
This announcement by the Chief Minister comes in the wake of the Bihar government’s recent release of data from its own caste survey. It highlights the growing demand for transparency and access to information about the socio-economic and educational status of different caste groups within Karnataka.
Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes chairperson K Jayaprakash had earlier indicated that he would submit the caste census report to the state government in November. This report is anticipated to provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions of various caste communities in the state, which can be crucial for policymaking and addressing issues related to social justice and equity.
The decision to release or withhold the findings of such surveys can have significant implications for government policies and programs aimed at addressing the needs of marginalized communities. As such, it remains a matter of considerable public interest and debate. Siddaramaiah’s assurance to consider the matter after receiving the report suggests that the government is taking these concerns seriously and will deliberate on the appropriate course of action based on the findings of the census.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has shed light on the status of the long-awaited caste census report in Karnataka. He mentioned that when the commission headed by Kantharaj submitted its report, the then Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy did not take action on it. Now, with a different chairman at the helm of the commission, Siddaramaiah has requested the submission of Kantharaj’s report in its original form. This submission is expected to take place in November, and the Chief Minister expressed his eagerness to review its contents.
Regarding the demand for separate categorization of the most backward classes, similar to practices in other states, Siddaramaiah pointed out that the government cannot act unilaterally on this matter. He emphasized the importance of having a report to base any decisions on, suggesting that once the report from the backward classes commission is received, the government will consider the possibility of such categorization.
The socio-economic and educational survey, initiated during Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister in 2015, was conducted at an estimated cost of Rs 170 crore within the state. However, the findings from this comprehensive survey have not been made public to date. The state’s Backward Classes Commission, led by H Kantharaj at the time, was responsible for preparing the caste census report, which has been eagerly awaited for its potential insights into the social and economic conditions of different caste communities in Karnataka.
The delay in releasing the caste census report in Karnataka has been a subject of political and social debate for some time. According to analysts, one of the reasons successive governments have hesitated to release the report is because its findings allegedly challenge the “traditional perception” of the numerical strength of various castes in Karnataka, particularly the dominant Lingayats and Vokkaligas. This sensitivity has turned the issue into a political hot potato, with different political parties engaging in a blame game over accepting and making the survey public.
A technical hurdle has also been cited as an obstacle to releasing the report. Allegedly, the then member-secretary of the State Commission for Backward Classes did not sign the final report, further complicating the process.
As of now, the caste census report is under the custody of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. Once this commission submits the report, a decision regarding its release will be made by the cabinet.
In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s alleged statement accusing the Congress and its allies of trying to divide society with the caste census, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed this notion, stating that it will not divide society and that the facts differ from what the Prime Minister has suggested. This highlights the ongoing debate and differences of opinion surrounding the release of the caste census report and its potential impact on the state’s social and political landscape.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of conducting a socio-economic and caste survey for poverty alleviation programs and for achieving a more equitable society. He pointed out that India’s society is largely structured around a caste system, and to address inequalities and integrate everyone into the mainstream, it is essential to gather data on the social, economic, and educational conditions of various communities. This survey would provide valuable insights into the existing disparities and help formulate policies aimed at reducing these inequalities.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s stance on not granting new licenses for the opening of liquor shops. Responding to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s remarks about the challenges of curbing alcohol consumption, Siddaramaiah clarified that while different opinions exist, the government will ultimately decide on this matter in the cabinet. He emphasized the importance of considering public opinion and stated that, as of now, there is no proposal to issue new licenses for liquor shops. This reflects the government’s commitment to regulating alcohol consumption and addressing associated social concerns.
