Karnataka welcomes caste census, calls for wider socio-economic survey
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Bengaluru: The Congress-led Karnataka government has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to conduct a nationwide caste census, calling it a necessary and long-overdue step. In a statement released on Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also urged the central government to simultaneously undertake a comprehensive social, economic, and educational survey alongside the caste enumeration to ensure a holistic approach to social justice.
“Our government wholeheartedly welcomes the Union government's move to include a caste census with the upcoming population census. At the same time, I urge the Union to also conduct a social, economic, and educational survey simultaneously,” Siddaramaiah said.
He highlighted Karnataka’s proactive steps in this regard, recalling that the state not only carried out a caste census but also collected data on the socio-economic and educational conditions of its citizens. “Based on this data, our government has initiated efforts to revise the existing reservation policy and push for an increase in its ceiling. I believe the Union government must complete this process nationally as well,” the Chief Minister added.
Emphasising the legal and constitutional backing for such surveys, Siddaramaiah noted that the Supreme Court has time and again underscored the importance of caste-based social, economic, and educational data while adjudicating reservation-related cases. “A scientific and data-driven reservation policy is not possible without such a survey,” he asserted.
Reflecting on the origins of Karnataka’s initiative, Siddaramaiah recalled that it was during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister in the Dharam Singh-led government that a Permanent Backward Classes Commission was established, and the idea of such a comprehensive survey was first conceived. “Due to various circumstances, the plan could not be executed at the time. It took my return as Chief Minister to bring that vision to life,” he said.
Siddaramaiah also credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for pushing the caste census onto the national agenda. “I congratulate Rahul Gandhi, who has strongly supported the demand to raise the reservation cap in tandem with a caste census, and made it a key part of the Congress' national campaign. Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not openly acknowledge it, the country knows it was Rahul Gandhi’s relentless efforts and pressure that led to this decision,” he claimed.
He took a swipe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), noting that the party had long opposed the caste census by branding it divisive and harmful to social harmony. “It is a welcome development that the BJP and the government it leads, which once criticised the caste census as a conspiracy to divide Hindus and promote caste conflict, have now recognised its social importance,” he said.
Acknowledging the entrenched role of caste in Indian society, Siddaramaiah argued that only by confronting this reality can it be dismantled. “Caste is a reality in India’s social structure. Denying its existence is self-deception. Only by recognising this reality can we begin the work of eradicating it. I strongly believe that the annihilation of caste is only possible by eliminating economic and social inequalities,” he said.
He added that the report of Karnataka’s own social, economic, and educational survey is ready, but has been facing opposition from the state unit of the BJP. “Using this data, we are moving to revise the reservation policy and increase the 50 per cent ceiling. I appeal to Prime Minister Modi to advise his party’s state leaders, who are obstructing this initiative,” Siddaramaiah urged.
Drawing parallels with earlier BJP opposition to the Congress’ "Five Guarantees" welfare scheme, which the BJP later adopted, Siddaramaiah said, “The Union government's decision to adopt our caste census model is further proof that the Congress’ policies are people-centric and rooted in public welfare.”
Concluding his remarks, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka’s caste-based social, economic, and educational survey stands as a complete and ideal model for the nation. He reiterated the state’s willingness to offer any guidance or cooperation to the Union government in implementing such a programme at the national level.
