Karnataka’s Minister for Kannada and Culture and Backward Classes Welfare, Shivaraj S. Tangadagi, announced on Saturday that the state’s crucial socio-educational survey will proceed as planned, running from September 22 to October 7. This declaration comes amidst considerable political controversy surrounding the inclusion and exclusion of various castes and sub-castes.
Minister Tangadagi confidently stated that the survey would be completed on schedule, with the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes expected to present its findings to the government by December. The ultimate decision on implementing the report’s recommendations will rest with the State Cabinet.
“We gave a month’s notice for the survey dates, and all necessary preparations are in place for its launch this Monday,” he noted. The government officially issued the order for the survey on Friday.
A Challenging Endeavor
Acknowledging the scale of the undertaking, the Minister described it as a “mammoth and challenging task,” but expressed confidence in its success. He also recognized that “mistakes are inherent in such challenging endeavors.”
Addressing suggestions for the commission to clarify potential confusions, Tangadagi clarified, “The commission operates as a constitutional body. While we can offer advice, we cannot issue direct instructions.”
He further clarified that the initiative is explicitly a “social and educational survey,” not merely a “caste survey.” Its primary objective, he explained, is to ensure that government welfare schemes effectively reach every eligible individual across the state.
Understanding Caste Nomenclature
When questioned about the inclusion of names like “Christian Jangama” or “Christian Kuruba” in the caste lists, the Minister emphasized, “These names were not devised by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, myself, or the commission members. They emerged from the previous H. Kantharaj Commission survey, where individuals voluntarily identified their respective communities. The commission simply compiled what people chose to record. How can surveyors dictate what individuals write?” he posed.
Tangadagi dismissed reports of internal disagreements among Ministers regarding the survey and asserted that there was no external pressure from community leaders concerning the inclusion or exclusion of any particular castes. He confirmed that a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday thoroughly discussed the pros and cons of the survey.
Fulfilling a Manifesto Promise
The Minister highlighted that the Congress party had pledged to conduct such a survey in its election manifesto. He underscored that the forthcoming survey report would be instrumental in enabling the government to extend the benefits of various schemes more effectively to the underprivileged.