Karnataka is all set to commence its first ever post-independence caste Census of about 6.60 crore people of the State on Saturday. This ambitious “Social and Educational” census of Siddaramaiah-led Congress Government in Karnataka may have cascade effect in identifying caste, religion and economic conditions along with other variables of the people of Karnataka.
Even though some dominant communities like lingayats have opposed the Census, many questions have been raised on the need of a Census. Over 1.33 lakh enumerates have been roped in for the process. They will be collecting data of about 1.26 crore families till April 30. The Census would also cover religious conversion — a controversial subject which has raised many questions across the country. The Census will also make note of the religion before and after the conversion.
The census will also cover information regarding access to various Government schemes, including social security programmes, beneficiaries of merit quota in pursuing both primary and higher education, membership of the co-operative institutions and data on carrying any terminal diseases like TB, cancer and other ailments.
A separate column has been assigned for school dropouts and would take note of the specific reasons for not going to school-whether it was due to caste discrimination, problem of medium of instruction, marriage, non-availability of admission, deficiencies of basic amenities and other related issues.
Meanwhile, a Karnataka High Court Bench, comprising Chief Justice, DH Vaghela and Justice Ram Mohan Reddy, has issued a notice to the State Government asking it to explain whether the State has authority to take up such an exercise. A petitioner, Shivaraja Kanashetty, has questioned the relevance of such an exercise conducted by the State Government.
The State Government has notified 1,357 castes and sub-castes of the forward communities and OBCs, notified 101 castes and sub-castes of SCs and 50 castes and sub-castes of STs. The entire exercise is expected to cost about Rs170 crore to the State Government.