Bengaluru, 29 Sept

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said socio-economic and educational survey or caste census will be presented before State Cabinet for further action. “Our government initiated the social census to uplift marginalised groups. While there have been delays in implementation, we are committed to implementing this initiative,” Siddaramaiah said at an event hosted by Alumni Association of Hostels for Backward Classes in Mysuru.

Siddaramaiah said the caste census has been a core principle of Congress party. “Since 1930, there has been no collection of caste-based data in the national population census. Now, discussions around conducting caste censuses are gaining traction in several states,” he added.

The Chief Minister also announced a rise in scholarships for pre-matric students, from Rs 750 to Rs 1,750 over the past five years, with a further increase to Rs 1,850 planned for the 2024-25 academic year.

Outlining plans to establish a residential school in every hobli, Siddaramaiah said: “Currently, there are 822 Morarji Desai Residential Schools, with 20 more set to be built this year.”

Siddaramaiah highlighted social reformer Dr BR Ambedkar’s vision for equal opportunities for backward classes, Dalits and minorities, pointing out that the current inequality stems from a lack of such opportunities.

Siddaramaiah urged those who have benefited from government programmes, particularly former hostel students, to give back to their communities. Reflecting on historical reforms, Siddaramaiah recalled the establishment of student hostels in 1977, which have been vital for the education of backward-class students. “Currently, these hostels accommodate 1,87,000 students, ensuring that underprivileged children have access to education,” he said. –Salar News