The state of Karnataka is currently conducting a Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, often referred to as a caste census, which commenced on September 22 and is set to conclude on October 7. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has publicly defended the initiative, asserting its necessity for understanding the status of various communities to inform future development programs. He has characterized the opposition to the survey as purely political.
In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including prominent leader B.S. Yediyurappa, has expressed significant apprehension regarding the exercise. Their objections include concerns about the survey’s questionnaire being “unnecessarily long and complicated,” the inclusion of specific Christian identifiers like ‘Kumbara Christian’ within caste categories, and the justification for a ‘religion’ column in a caste-focused survey. The BJP has also voiced opposition to the classification of ‘Others’ as a religious category and claimed the survey risks being utilized for political advantage and societal division, urging the Karnataka government to reconsider the process.
Source: indianexpress.com