Caste census: Vokkaligara sangha welcomes re-survey, OBC federation criticises decision

A day after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced another socio-economic and educational survey (caste census) of Karnataka’s population for the purpose of providing reservation to the backward classes, there were contrasting reactions from cate groups.

The Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha, at a press conference, welcomed the setting aside of the controversial 2015 survey report, while the Karnataka State Backward Classes Federation criticised the decision. Earlier, the All-India Veerashaiva Mahasabha had welcomed discarding the 2015 survey report and said it would extend cooperation if the government conducts a fresh one.

However, while welcoming the discarding of the old survey, Vokkaligara sangha president Kenchappa Gowda questioned the need for a new one. “When the Union government has announced collecting caste data as part of the general census, what is the need for us to have another one? The new one has been announced for political compulsion,” he argued.

He said the sangha is considering holding a survey of the Vokkaliga community that would include the collection of information such as land holding, education, occupation, and income. “The matter will be placed for discussion before a committee on June 18.”

However, general secretary of the federation Yennegere R. Venkataramaiah said it was a “disappointing development” that the old survey report had been kept aside. “This is a contradictory policy after announcing that it will be accepted. Dominant communities have always bulldozed the backward classes, and it has happened again,” he said, adding that the full survey report should be made public.

On the new survey to be conducted, Mr. Venkataramaiah said Aadhaar or ration card has to be linked to individuals to prevent anyone from casting aspersions on the survey. “The government should appoint a high-powered committee, including leaders of communities and elected representatives, to monitor the survey that should be completed within the deadline,” he added.

Published - June 13, 2025 09:26 pm IST