Bengaluru, 12 Sept

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that a fresh Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as the caste census, will be conducted across the state from 22 September to 7 October, at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore.

The survey, overseen by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes led by Madhusudhan R Naik, will gather data on the socio-educational status of 7 crore people across 2 crore households. It will use a 60-question questionnaire and aims to be “scientific” in its methodology, Siddaramaiah told reporters.

Approximately 1.75 lakh government school teachers will be trained and deployed during Dasara holidays, each covering 120–150 houses. Teachers will receive up to ₹20,000 remuneration, making up the bulk of the Rs 420 crore budget, with ₹325 crore allocated for payment. More funds will be released if needed.

The Chief Minister said the survey is essential for ensuring social justice and equal opportunity. He urged citizens to cooperate with enumerators and provide truthful information. ASHA workers will visit households beforehand to distribute application forms.

Each house will be geo-tagged via electricity meter numbers and assigned a Unique Household ID (UHID). Over 1.55 lakh households have already been mapped. Even households without electricity connections will be included to ensure no exclusions.

The survey will collect data on religion, caste, education, employment, land ownership, and other socio-economic indicators. Ration cards and Aadhaar will be linked to mobile numbers, and a helpline (8050770004) is available for grievances or support. An online participation option will also be provided.

Responding to questions, Siddaramaiah noted that while the Centre is planning caste enumeration in the national census, it will not include socio-educational data, making the state’s survey necessary.

The Cabinet approved the new census on 12 June, effectively nullifying the 2015 survey, which cost Rs 165.51 crore and faced criticism for being "unscientific." Influential communities such as Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva-Lingayats had rejected the earlier report, prompting fresh enumeration after directions from Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.