Karnataka Government to Conduct New Socio-Economic Survey in 90 Days
The Karnataka government has announced a new socio-economic survey to be conducted within 90 days, following a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This initiative aims to address community concerns regarding caste data collection and is part of the government's commitment to social justice as outlined in their election manifesto. The Chief Minister clarified that this survey will differ from the central government's caste census and emphasized the importance of timely reporting. The decision comes in response to requests from key political figures and aims to ensure that the voices of major communities in Karnataka are heard.
| Jun 12, 2025, 17:52 IST
Cabinet Meeting Decisions
In a special cabinet meeting held in Bengaluru on Thursday, the Karnataka government decided to carry out a new socio-economic survey across the state, as per the wishes of the All India Congress Committee. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the survey is expected to be completed within 90 days. He noted that the findings of such surveys are valid for only ten years, according to the law governing the State Backward Classes Commission.
Clarification on Survey Differences
When questioned about how this survey would differ from the caste census conducted by the central government, the Chief Minister clarified that the central government has not indicated any plans for a socio-economic survey. He emphasized that the Congress government is committed to providing social justice as promised in their election manifesto. The government will request the Karnataka State Permanent Backward Classes Commission, led by former Advocate General Madhusudhan Naik, to submit the survey report within 90 days. He mentioned that Telangana completed a similar task in just 70 days.
Response to Community Concerns
The cabinet meeting took place following requests from AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for a recount of castes. This was in response to complaints from major communities in Karnataka regarding the data collected for the survey. Earlier, Siddaramaiah had stated that the decision to re-register caste census data was made by the party high command and not by the state government. He acknowledged that there have been some complaints regarding the caste census.