Karnataka’s caste census faces backlash from citizens, raising concerns over execution and intent.
Bengaluru: The caste census recently initiated by the Karnataka government is facing significant resistance — not only from citizens but also from the workforce, primarily comprising teachers and Anganwadi staff.
The Karnataka cabinet approved the caste census on June 12 and set a 90-day deadline to complete the exercise, which has been dubbed a socio-economic survey.
An earlier caste census, conducted by H. Kantharaj and later revised by Jayaprakash Hegde, drew criticism from several communities — including Lingayats, Kodavas, Bunts, Balijas, and Idigas — who alleged that their population numbers were under-reported. At that time, the exercise was also referred to as a socio-economic and educational census.
Now, as the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government pushes ahead with the new caste census, the process is already encountering roadblocks, with pushback from both citizens and government staff tasked with conducting it.
The caste census had already been delayed due to political wrangling that stalled the appointment of a five-member Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. Now, the government is struggling with resistance from teachers who have been simultaneously deployed for work related to the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission’s Scheduled Caste census, which is still ongoing. Government sources told The Sunday Guardian that private agencies have been outsourced to conduct the survey. Citizens are raising concerns that these third-party workers are untrained and ill-equipped to conduct an official census.
A Bengaluru resident described the caste census as a “gimmick of an exercise.” “A group of people showed up at my doorstep asking for personal details I didn’t feel comfortable sharing. They also insisted on taking my photograph, claiming they were authorised by the BBMP. How can I trust strangers with such information?” asked Choodi Shivram, a resident of Banashankari. “The people conducting the census must follow standard operating procedures and give us the option to withhold sensitive information. It’s basically a sham,” he added.
Another Bengalurean, Dr Venkatesh Rao, recounted a similar experience.
“A group in blue uniforms came for the survey and pasted stickers on doors saying the caste survey had been completed. It’s disturbing. This feels reminiscent of the identification of Jews by the Nazis. It’s divide-and-rule politics,” he said.
A school principal, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration.
“Schools have just reopened, and we’ve already sent two teachers for caste census duties. Now they’re asking for more. Who will teach the children?”
Government sources claim that the socio-economic survey will be completed within 90 days and will take another month to compile the data. However, BJP MLC Vishwanath questioned the feasibility.
