Amid growing pressure on his government to disclose the findings of Karnataka's socio-economic and educational census, commonly referred to as the 'caste census,' Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Saturday that a decision regarding its release will be made upon his receipt of the report next month.
This statement from the Chief Minister comes in the wake of the Bihar government's recent release of its own caste survey data.
Earlier this week, K Jayaprakash, the Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, had indicated that he would be submitting the caste census report to the state government in November.
"When the Kantharaj-led commission submitted the report, the then Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy did not act upon it. Now, under a different chairman, I have requested that the report prepared by Kantharaj be submitted without changes. He has stated that the report will be provided in November, and we will await its arrival," Siddaramaiah conveyed to the press.
Responding to inquiries about the demand for separate categorization of the most backward classes, similar to what is done in other states, the Chief Minister noted, "The government cannot do it on its own, a report should be there for it... Once the backward classes commission report comes, we will think over it."
In 2015, the Congress-led government in Karnataka, under Siddaramaiah's leadership, commissioned the socio-economic and educational survey, at an estimated cost of Rs 170 crore in the state. However, the findings of this survey have yet to be made public.
The state Backward Classes Commission, led by H Kantharaj at the time, was tasked with preparing a caste census report.
According to some analysts, successive governments have refrained from releasing it due to claims that the survey's findings contradict the "traditional perception" of the numerical strength of various castes in Karnataka, particularly the dominant Lingayats and Vokkaligas, making it a politically sensitive issue.
Political parties in the state have engaged in finger-pointing over the failure to accept the survey and make it public.
Officials have also cited the then member-secretary of the State Commission for Backward Classes not signing the final report as a "technical hurdle" that has impeded the report's release.
They have stated that the caste census report is currently in the possession of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, and a decision will be made once it is submitted to the cabinet.
Addressing a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged statement accusing the Congress and its allies of attempting to divide society with the caste census, Siddaramaiah remarked, "No (it will not divide society), definitely not... facts are different from what he is saying."
For poverty alleviation programs and the establishment of an equitable society, it is necessary to understand the social, economic, and educational conditions of various communities, he stated. "Our society is primarily structured around a caste system. To eliminate inequalities and mainstream everyone, we need statistics, hence a socio-economic and caste survey is necessary."
The Chief Minister also reiterated that the state government will not issue new licenses to open liquor shops.
In response to a query about Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar advocating for a policy change, stating that no one can prevent people from consuming liquor, following Siddaramaiah's statement that the government will not open new liquor outlets, he commented, "He (Shivakumar) has stated that drinking cannot be stopped. Has he mentioned that the government will permit new liquor shops? He has expressed his opinion, and we will make a decision in the cabinet."
According to Siddaramaiah, there is no need to grant new licenses, and public opinion is also crucial. "As far as I am concerned, there is no such proposal at the moment, and we will not issue new licenses for liquor shops," he added.
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