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Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka to begin caste survey from September 22: CM Siddaramaiah
The state government will conduct a comprehensive socio-educational survey, or more popularly known as the caste survey, covering its entire 70 million population from September 22 to October 7, chief minister Siddaramaiah announced on Wednesday, positioning the exercise as a 'model for the entire country.' The Congress decided to conduct the new survey during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on June 10, responding to complaints from communities that claimed they were either excluded or underrepresented in the previous exercise. (PTI) The 15-day survey, proposed by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, aims to gather data on economic status, land ownership and social identity to serve as the foundation for the state's next budget and policy decisions. 'The main objective is to eliminate caste-based discrimination,' Siddaramaiah said during a preparatory meeting. 'A comprehensive survey must be conducted on the financial condition of every individual, including whether they own land. The report will be used as a basis during the preparation of the next budget.' The fresh survey addresses mounting criticism of the previous Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, with influential communities—particularly Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva-Lingayats—demanding the earlier report be scrapped due to alleged underrepresentation. The Congress decided to conduct the new survey during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on June 10, responding to complaints from communities that claimed they were either excluded or underrepresented in the previous exercise. 'Preparations such as training must begin right away. The survey must be carried out very effectively, and precautions should be taken to ensure that there are no grounds for complaints,' Siddaramaiah emphasised on Wednesday. 'It must be ensured that no one is excluded from this exercise.' Unlike the previous Kantharaj Commission survey, which used 54 questions and was conducted manually, the new exercise will use mobile applications and include additional components. Officials have been directed to study the methodology used in Telangana's similar survey. 'That commission had prepared 54 questions and conducted the survey manually. This time, we are looking into the inclusion of more components. The survey will be carried out using a mobile app,' the chief minister said. The massive undertaking will require 165,000 enumerators, including teachers and staff from various government departments. 'All departments must work in coordination to make this a success,' A high-level oversight committee will supervise implementation, with special planning for urban areas. 'A specific plan must be drawn up for conducting the survey successfully in the Bengaluru urban region,' he added. The chief minister stressed the need for scientific rigour and transparency: 'The survey must be scientific and transparent. A panel of experts should help finalise the questions to be asked.' The groundwork for Karnataka's caste census was laid during Siddaramaiah's initial tenure as chief minister through an extensive 2015 survey costing ₹162 crore. Although he announced acceptance of that report in June, its contents and release date remain undisclosed. Leaked data from the earlier survey indicated Scheduled Castes accounted for 19.5% of the state's population, followed by Muslims at 16%, Lingayats at 14% and Vokkaligas at 11%. Within the Other Backward Classes, the Kuruba community alone comprised 7% of Karnataka's population, contributing to the OBCs' overall representation of 20% in the state. Collectively, these groups—including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Muslims and Kurubas—formed a substantial 47.5% of the population, findings that could significantly impact the state's political landscape, according to federations of marginalised sections. The final report is expected by the end of October and will directly influence budget allocations and policy formulations for the state's diverse communities.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Fresh Karnataka caste survey to begin on September 22
The second Socio-Economic and Educational Survey (popularly called caste census) by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes will be conducted from September 22 to October 7. The commission has been told to submit the final report with recommendations before the end of October. The commission has been told to study a similar survey conducted by the Telengana government. This comes amidst some misgivings expressed by experts over the conduct of a fresh survey of the entire population in a short time frame. Survey to cover 7 crore population of Karnataka The survey of the seven crore population of Karnataka will be done by 1.65 lakh enumerators over 15 days. Apart from teachers, employees from various departments of the government would be roped in for the exercise this time. The second survey comes after the government decided to keep aside the first survey conducted in 2015 by the commission headed by H. Kantharaj, the report of which was submitted by the commission headed by K. Jayaprakash Hegde in 2024. Following pressure from land-owning and politically dominant Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva-Lingayats, the government shied away from accepting the report and implementing its recommendations, but the official reason cited was that the survey is based on decade-old data, and a fresh survey was necessary. 'The commission has submitted a proposal to the government to conduct the survey. Addressing discrimination of castes is the main focus of the survey, which should become a model for the country,' Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said after chairing a meeting on July 23 to discuss modalities of the survey. The survey, he said, would be the basis for preparation of the next budget, and that the comprehensive survey would include economic conditions, including land and property holdings, of every person in Karnataka. 'The commission has been told to submit the report before October-end.' He said that precautions should be taken to prevent any scope for complaints. 'Survey work should be transparent, and efforts should be made to ensure that no one is excluded.' The commission should start training and other preparatory work, he added. Will use an app Mr. Siddaramaiah said that the survey would be conducted using an app while the previous survey by the Kantharaj Commission was done manually. 'The previous survey had 54 questions for respondents. We will have more questions this time. A technical committee will be set up to finalise the questions. The survey should be scientific and transparent.' He has directed the commission to have a high-power committee to monitor the survey work in Bengaluru where the previous survey lagged due to non-cooperation of people, and lack of manpower, among other reasons. Backward Classes Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, Commission Chairperson Madhusudan R. Naik and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh were among those present in the meeting.
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Will Mallikarjun Kharge return to State politics?
Amid Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala's series of meetings with MLAs and Ministers in the recent past, there is speculation in the Congress circles that All-India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge might be making his way into State politics. Mr. Kharge turns 83 on July 21. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has explicitly said that he will be in the chair for the full five-year term, but has acknowledged that the party high command will decide on the matter. Mr. Kharge, too, has said that any decision is up to the party high command. 'Power sharing' A couple of months ago, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reportedly told the party high command that he should be given the Chief Minister's post after Mr. Siddaramaiah completes two-and-a-half years in office as per the 'power-sharing agreement' between the two during the formation of the government in May 2023. In this ongoing 'power struggle' between the Chief Minister and his deputy, some leaders in the party believe there are possibilities of Mr. Kharge returning to State politics and becoming the Chief Minister. In recent days, Mr. Kharge has vetoed some of the decisions taken by Mr. Siddaramaiah and they include the former's letter to the Chief Minister over reported lapses in the implementation of the roster point system for promotions of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe employees in government departments and rejection of a decade-old Socio-Economic and Educational Survey (caste census), which was the pet project of the Chief Minister. Mr. Kharge also reportedly withheld the names of candidates suggested by the Chief Minister to fill the four vacancies in the Legislative Council. Gauging the mood Mr. Surjewala's one-to-one meetings with the party MLAs and Ministers have also been seen as a move to gauge the mood of the legislators and the meetings were held reportedly at the behest of Mr. Kharge and Mr. Shivakumar. Mr. Kharge, who is the second leader from Karnataka to become the AICC chief after S. Nijalingappa, is a staunch loyalist of the Sonia Gandhi family. He has missed the Chief Minister's post on a couple of occasions in the past. The veteran leader has served in various capacities, including as Union Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
OBC Outreach, Caste Census Top Agenda At Congress Strategy Meet In Bengaluru
The meeting is crucial for the Congress as it seeks to reclaim OBC votes, revive community leadership, and build momentum for a nationwide caste census The Congress is sending out a louder message amid buzz over a possible leadership shuffle in Karnataka—'AHINDA is not a vote bank. It is the voice of India's conscience." That was the line delivered by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the first-ever meeting of the AICC Backward Classes Advisory Council being held in Bengaluru. The meeting is crucial for the Congress as it seeks to reclaim OBC votes, revive community leadership, and build momentum for a nationwide caste census. The underlying theme running through the two-day session is clear: Congress is not backing down on social justice. The party is now strategising on how to win back the OBC support base it believes has steadily shifted to the BJP over the past few decades. Opening the meeting, Siddaramaiah said: 'Let us remind the country that AHINDA is not a vote bank. It is the voice of India's conscience. This is not a fight for reservation to Backward Classes alone. This is a fight for recognition, dignity, and power of these classes." He launched a direct attack on the BJP, saying: 'The BJP has never stood for social justice or reservations. They have never believed in inclusive development or in bringing all communities together. Karnataka still faces deep inequalities. Every time the Congress brings in measures to ensure justice for the marginalised, the BJP opposes them—be it reservation or any welfare policy. That is the truth." Siddaramaiah said the second day of the meeting will see Congress MP Rahul Gandhi address the gathering virtually, where he is expected to outline the party's national strategy. 'We will also be announcing new steps. The future of India cannot be built on the exclusion of many. The future must rise on the shoulders of the underprivileged—with dignity, with opportunity, and with their rightful place in power," he said. He added: 'In the spirit of 'equal opportunity to live, equal share of resources' and 'the rise of all', we must build an India where no one is left behind and everyone rises together." Another key focus of the meeting is the caste census, said sources. It is learnt that the Congress is placing it at the heart of its political message—not just in Karnataka, but as part of its national revival. Party leaders discussed how the Karnataka and Telangana models could be extended across the country. Siddaramaiah also invoked the Kantharaj Commission report. 'In 2015, under my government, we conducted India's most comprehensive Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, covering 1.3 crore households. This was more than just enumeration—it was a moral commitment to visibility, representation and justice." He slammed the BJP for keeping the report buried during its rule. 'From 2019 to 2023, the BJP sat on this report. That is not just bureaucratic delay; it is ideological opposition to social justice." Now, his government has ordered a second survey. 'To ensure fairness and reflect demographic shifts over a decade, we are committed to a second Socio-Economic and Educational Survey. This is about justice," he said. Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka CM M Veerappa Moily, who had implemented the 1995 State Backward Classes Act, made a strong pitch for a nationwide caste census. 'Without data, you cannot deliver real justice. We are talking about equity, but we don't even know who needs what. The time has come to act," Moily said. Taking aim at the BJP, he said: 'They talk about OBCs only during elections. But when it comes to giving them their due, they back off. The Congress is not afraid of the truth. Rahul Gandhi's stand — 'jitni aabadi, utna haq' — is the way forward." Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot called Rahul Gandhi's campaign 'an extraordinary and bold step" by any political leader. 'Whether it's about EWS or the 95 per cent of the population that remains underrepresented, the ground reality must be seen through the lens of justice," he said. 'Whatever kind of politics the BJP plays, democracy will decide," he added. 'What could be more unfortunate than the fact that untouchability still exists? Caste-based discrimination, inferiority complexes—Dalits and backward communities continue to live with this daily. We cannot ignore it anymore." The Bengaluru meeting, attended by over 42 top OBC leaders, including four PCC chiefs and one CLP leader, is also a platform to discuss internal party representation. Leaders are deliberating on ways to strengthen OBC leadership within the party and ensure better organisational roles. While speaking to those present, Siddaramaiah stressed that political representation must be asserted so that backward classes have a fair and proportional say in all decision-making platforms. He said there was a need to widen economic opportunities—including extending reservations to private sector jobs, ensuring promotions in government services, access to government contracts, financial assistance, welfare schemes, and market linkages. Party insiders say the meeting also doubles up as a platform to bolster Siddaramaiah's image as the Congress's national OBC face, especially at a time when his leadership in Karnataka is being closely watched. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar had recently tried to position himself with the community by pointing out that Vokkaligas and Lingayats are classified as OBCs at the Centre. Sources say that also on the agenda is a discussion on Article 164(1) of the Constitution, referencing states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh—all of which have implemented caste-based representation in their cabinets. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18's digital platform. She has previously worked with More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Karnataka Congress needs more than holding OBC meet here to woo the communities to party, say activists
As the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has formed the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Advisory Council, which is set to meet in Bengaluru on July 15 to deliberate on the party's strategies to woo the OBCs, community leaders and activists believe that the party's exercise could be futile without a concrete show of its commitment in Karnataka, which is among the three States where it is in power. Last week, the council's formation itself was stuck in a political storm in the State, where an embarrassing leadership tussle is under way to replace Siddaramaiah, the only OBC Chief Minister from the Congress in the country now. Meanwhile, those who have worked among the backward classes believe that the Congress government headed by Mr. Siddaramaiah has done little in concrete terms to benefit the most backward and more backward castes within the larger OBCs in the State. The 24-member national panel formed by the AICC to discuss and strategise ways to woo the OBCs in the country includes Mr. Siddaramaiah, former Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily, and B.K. Hariprasad, MLC, from Karnataka. Setting aside the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey (caste census), conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes headed by H. Kantharaj in 2015 and the recommendations submitted by the K. Jayaprakash Hegde commission in 2024, apparently under pressure from the land-owning and politically dominant Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas, is viewed as a failure of the Congress government's OBC politics in Karnataka. In fact, the Federation of Oppressed Classes, whose many leaders are from the Congress, have also criticised the decision. Though a new survey has been announced, leaders and experts have been skeptical about it. Missed opportunity 'The Congress lost an opportunity to bring the most backward castes that are in the society's margins into the mainstream,' said a senior functionary in the party. 'The government sacrificed the interests of the most backward and more backward castes, which do not have political clout or representation in politics or bureaucracy, under pressure from two dominant communities that have bulldozed themselves into the OBC list. The government could have released the report and recommendations for public discussion, and formulated programmes for the most backward and more backward classes without getting stuck in the number game.' Over the past few years, fearing dilution of their clout in politics over the population size as indicated in the survey, Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas have virulently opposed the findings, terming them as 'unscientific' and 'outdated'. A source formerly associated with the commission, asked, 'Who is the Congress trying to woo back? In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the backward classes have their own parties. In Karnataka, Vokkaligas have what we could call their own party (Janata Dal-Secular), and Veerashaiva-Lingayats are seen as mostly with the BJP. The most and more backward classes are scattered but leaning towards the BJP more now.' He pointed out that the BJP recognised the importance of organising the numerically smaller backward castes by providing political representation and also choosing unheralded heroes from such communities for national awards, he pointed out. He sought to know if the OBC cell is even active in the Congress in Karnataka. Dominant within OBC matrix While nearly 70% of Karnataka's population has been identified as OBCs, about 40% of the OBC population comprises the politically dominant Lingayats (11%), Vokkaligas (10.29%), and Kurubas (7.3%), which total to about 28% of the State's population. Nearly half a dozen castes, including Ediga, Uppara, and Yadava, are seen to have progressed ahead of smaller castes. The nomadic, semi-nomadic, and minor communities, who constitute about 50% of the OBC population, have a meagre chance to compete in education or employment and do not receive political representation due to their small population size, sources in the commission said. 'If the Congress is looking at the numbers, it should look at the oppressed castes within the larger OBC fold. The Congress government has not made any attempt to do that while it is pandering to the politically important and numerically large three castes. The advisory council also does not have representation from the oppressed castes,' rued another source, who has worked in the backward classes commission.
