Former Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, H Kantharaju, has staunchly defended the scientific integrity of the state's Socio-Economic and Education survey, commonly referred to as the 'caste census.' Addressing recent claims of its unscientific nature, Kantharaju emphasized that the survey underwent a thorough and meticulous process, covering aspects such as caste, religion, assets, agricultural holdings, and more.
The survey, commissioned by the previous Congress-led government in 2015 at an estimated cost of Rs 170 crore, was conducted to prepare a comprehensive caste census report. Despite its completion in 2018, during the tenure of then-Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the findings were neither accepted nor made public.
As political pressure mounts for the report's release, Siddaramaiah has stated that a decision will be made once he receives the report. However, prominent communities, namely Vokkaligas and Lingayats, have expressed dissatisfaction, branding the survey as unscientific and demanding its rejection.
Kantharaju urged a fair evaluation of the report before forming opinions, emphasizing that commenting without having seen the report is premature. He highlighted that the survey involved asking 55 questions during visits to every household, covering various socio-economic aspects.
The current Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, K Jayaprakash Hegde, is expected to submit the report to the government in the coming months. However, controversies loom over the survey, with divisions within the ruling Congress, opposition from dominant communities, and the mysterious absence of the survey's original 'work-sheet' copy.
In response to the opposition, Siddaramaiah cautioned against speculations about the report's content, emphasizing the need to wait until its submission for a comprehensive understanding. He addressed concerns about the missing 'work-sheet' copy by stating that he would inquire about the matter with Hegde.
Amid these developments, Hegde clarified that the survey data is intact and signed by the previous commission members, underlining its safety. He explained that the missing 'work-sheet' pertains to the earlier commission's preparation, and the current commission has finalized the report based on the available data for submission.
