- विज्ञापन -
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Monday that the state will carry out a detailed caste-wise census of Scheduled Castes (SCs) from May 5 to 17, aiming to gather precise population data for all SC sub-castes across the state.
A single-member commission, led by retired High Court judge Nagamohan Das, has been established to compile factual data on the 101 castes within the SC category. The Chief Minister emphasized that the survey is crucial for accurate internal reservation policies.
During a press conference, Siddaramaiah stated, “We have initiated a caste-specific census of the Scheduled Castes today. Justice Nagamohan Das is heading the commission to produce a reliable report. There are 101 castes listed under SC, including sub-groups like Left and Right Hand, Lamani, Korama, and Koracha, and we need clear statistics on each.”
He pointed out that earlier reports, such as the Sadashiva Commission’s, relied on outdated 2011 Census data, which lacked clarity regarding sub-caste distribution. For instance, some listings did not specify whether individuals belonged to Left or Right Hand groups, and certain communities like Adi Dravida and Adi Karnataka were inconsistently classified. This ambiguity hampers fair implementation of internal reservations.
The Chief Minister also noted that following a Supreme Court directive on August 1, 2024, states are now authorized to create reservations within SC communities based on accurate data. Consequently, the government has initiated efforts to collect fresh, detailed information.
To ensure accuracy, around 65,000 teachers and enumerators have been trained to conduct door-to-door surveys. Supervisors will oversee groups of 10 to 12 enumerators to maintain data quality and consistency.
Moreover, special camps will be held on May 19 and 20 for individuals who missed the initial survey. Residents can also self-declare their caste details online until May 23.
Siddaramaiah concluded by saying, “This data will help us implement fair internal reservations among Scheduled Castes, based on actual population figures.”
