Karnataka Cabinet approves caste census, to discuss findings on April 17
Karnataka Cabinet Approves Caste Census Findings
The Karnataka Cabinet has officially approved the findings of the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, often called the caste census. This decision was made on Friday, setting the stage for a detailed discussion scheduled for a special meeting on April 17.
Key Figures Absent from the Meeting
Notably, several ministers were absent from this crucial Cabinet meeting, including:
- SS Mallikarjun (Lingayat)
- Laxmi Hebbalkar (Lingayat)
- MC Sudhakar (Vokkaliga)
- K Venkatesh (Vokkaliga)
- RB Timmapur (Scheduled Caste)
- Madhu Bangarappa (Idiga)
No Dissent Within the Cabinet
Despite the absences, Minister H K Patil assured that there was unanimous agreement on the Cabinet’s decision. “All ministers accepted the Cabinet decision irrespective of caste and community considerations,” he stated. He also mentioned that the report had been shared beforehand for review. Addressing concerns about individuals missed in the survey, Patil noted, “Even in the census, people get left out. Coverage of 94% is a big and very successful number.”
Currently, the specific details of the report’s findings remain confidential.
Survey Coverage Details
Backward classes welfare minister Shivaraj Tangadagi provided some insight into the survey’s scope. He reported that the survey encompassed 59.8 million people, representing 94.17% of the estimated 63.5 million population. “Only 3.7 million were left out, which means 5.83% missed the survey,” he explained.
Background of the Caste Census
The caste census was initiated back in 2015, during Siddaramaiah’s previous term as chief minister. The extensive operation reportedly involved over 160,000 personnel who visited over 10 million households across Karnataka. The entire process incurred expenses of ₹162 crore. Siddaramaiah had announced the acceptance of the report in June of the previous year.
Scientific Rigor Emphasized
According to a minister who wished to remain anonymous, the survey’s scientific foundation was emphasized during the Cabinet briefing. Officials highlighted the extensive coverage and the methodological rigor employed in the survey.
Concerns and Controversies
The accuracy of the data has been questioned by the dominant Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities, who allege that their numbers are underrepresented. Leaked information from the report in 2018 suggested that Vokkaligas constituted only 14% and Lingayats 11% of the state’s population. In contrast, Scheduled Castes (SCs) were reportedly at 19.5%, Muslims at 16%, and Kurubas at 7%. These figures implied that SCs, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Muslims, and Kurubas made up 47.5% of Karnataka’s population.
Political Implications
On Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated his party’s support for a caste census, framing it as essential for social justice. “We took a revolutionary step of caste census in Telangana… I told him [Prime Minister Narendra Modi] that we would pass the caste census law in the Parliament right in front of you…” Gandhi stated, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of opposing such measures.
Previous Delays
In February, objections from influential leaders like Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Minister Eshwar Khandre, both from dominant communities, reportedly caused the postponement of the report’s release.