The Karnataka government has officially launched an extensive caste enumeration drive aimed at gathering empirical data on 101 Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the state.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the beginning of the survey on Monday, highlighting its objective to facilitate the sub-classification of castes within the SC list.
The survey, which began on April 29, will continue until May 17.
A one-man commission, led by retired High Court judge Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das, has been appointed to oversee the process. The commission has been tasked with submitting its findings within 60 days.
According to the Chief Minister, the survey will help identify and resolve inconsistencies in how certain castes are classified across the state. “Castes like Adi Dravida, Adi Karnataka, and Adi Andhra are listed under different categories—'Left' in some regions and 'Right' in others,” Siddaramaiah explained, emphasizing the need for accurate and consistent classification.
The initiative, backed by a budget of ₹100 crore, will involve over 65,000 school teachers acting as enumerators. To ensure inclusivity, the process will be conducted in three phases. The second phase, running from May 19 to 21, will include designated camps for individuals missed in the initial phase. The third phase, an online registration window, will also start on May 19 and continue through May 23, allowing participation from SC members who are away from their hometowns.
Siddaramaiah also referred to a Supreme Court judgment from August 1, 2024, which upheld the legality of sub-classification within SCs in the context of a case involving the state of Punjab. “This judgment paved the way for the formation of the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission,” he stated.
To support the survey, a mobile application has been launched, and a helpline number (94813 59000) is available for queries.
The Chief Minister urged all members of SC communities in Karnataka to actively participate and ensure the success of this significant social data collection effort.