Davangere, 16 June

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday clarified that the state’s upcoming socio-educational and caste survey is distinct from the Centre’s proposed caste census, emphasising that the initiative is rooted in the principles of social justice.

Speaking to reporters in Davangere, Siddaramaiah said the Centre’s caste census, scheduled to begin in 2027, does not encompass socio-educational parameters. “The Centre is doing a caste census. What we are doing is a socio-educational survey, under which caste enumeration will also come,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that the State's initiative is broader in scope and intended to gather data necessary for designing effective welfare policies for backward and marginalised communities.

“For meaningful social justice, we must understand the socio-economic and educational status of the population. Without this, it is difficult to implement welfare programmes,” Siddaramaiah said.

He dismissed suggestions that pressure from dominant communities had led to objections over the earlier survey, noting that concerns had emerged from various sections of society.

“It’s been 10 years since the last survey. As per Section 11 of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes Act, a new report is mandated every decade,” he pointed out.

The state cabinet on 12 June approved the new survey, and Siddaramaiah has instructed the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes to begin work without delay.

The earlier 2015 caste census, undertaken by the Siddaramaiah-led government, was never officially released due to political controversy. The Congress high command has since urged the state to initiate fresh enumeration amid concerns over misrepresentation in the previous survey.

The announcement comes as caste-based data collection gains traction nationwide, with implications for social justice policymaking and resource allocation.