Karnataka Completes Caste Survey in Over 1 Crore Homes, Extension Likely Due to Delays
Over 4.1 crore people surveyed so far; government may extend deadline by 10 more days.
Bengaluru, October 6: The Karnataka government is considering extending the ongoing social, educational, and economic survey commonly known as the caste census beyond its scheduled deadline of October 7. The decision comes as technical issues, slow progress, and public confusion have delayed the data collection process.
The survey, led by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC), began on September 22 and was originally planned to be completed in 15 days. The aim is to gather detailed information from around 2 crore households, covering nearly 7 crore residents, through a 60-question form.
As of Sunday evening, officials have completed surveys in 1.09 crore households, collecting data for approximately 4.10 crore individuals which accounts for around 76% of the total target. Given the shortfall, sources say the government is likely to grant an additional 10 days to complete the remaining work.
The Congress-led state government has emphasized that the survey is crucial for better planning of welfare schemes and ensuring that backward communities are properly represented and supported. However, the initiative has faced strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and other BJP leaders have urged citizens to be cautious while sharing personal information. Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has accused the Congress government of attempting to divide Hindu society through this survey.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has directed the government to ensure that no citizen is forced to provide information and that complete confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has defended the move, stating that the survey will go on as planned. “The court has made it clear that while people can skip specific questions, there is no reason to boycott the entire process,” he said.
To carry out this massive exercise, the state government has allocated approximately ₹420 crore. During the Dussehra holidays, around 1.75 lakh schoolteachers have been deployed to conduct the door-to-door survey.
This isn’t the first time Karnataka has attempted such a survey. In 2015, the then Congress government under Siddaramaiah conducted a similar caste census at a cost of ₹165.51 crore. However, that report was never made public due to political pressure.
