The comprehensive Social and Educational Survey, spearheaded by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, has been granted a further extension. The statewide enumeration, initially set to conclude sooner, will now continue until October 31st.
Significantly, the dedicated teachers who have been instrumental in the door-to-door data collection efforts will now be relieved of their survey responsibilities and return to their classrooms.
As of Sunday evening, enumerators had successfully reached an impressive 5.42 crore individuals across approximately 1.43 crore households throughout Karnataka, excluding the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) region. This represents a robust 96.35% completion rate for the estimated households.
In Bengaluru, the survey has covered 18.31 lakh out of 39.83 lakh households, reaching 56.56 lakh residents, marking a 45.97% progress, according to government data.
The State government also declared holidays for all survey participants from October 20 to October 22 in observance of Deepavali.
Following the festive break, the survey is slated to resume on October 23rd, but without the involvement of teachers. Shivaraj Tangadagi, Minister for Backward Classes, stated after a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Commission Chairman Madhusudan Naik that district deputy commissioners and GBA authorities have been instructed to finalize the survey by October 31st, utilizing personnel from other departments. He emphasized that no further extensions would be necessary.
The survey, which commenced on September 22nd (excluding GBA), was initially scheduled to end on October 7th, then extended to October 19th. To ensure its completion, the Dasara holidays for government and aided schools had also been prolonged until Sunday.
Seven districts—Mandya, Tumakuru, Haveri, Chitradurga, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Davangere—have achieved 100% coverage. Gadag, Koppal, and Shivamogga reported about 99% coverage, while Raichur, Bagalkot, Uttara Kannada, and Hassan reached approximately 97%. Chamarajanagar and Bengaluru Rural districts recorded around 95% completion.
The Minister noted slower progress in Ramanagara (86%), Dharwad (88%), and Bidar (79.46%). He clarified that the survey would only continue in districts with pending work.
“In the GBA region, where the survey began on October 4th, the progress stands at 45.97%,” Minister Tangadagi added, expressing confidence in meeting the Bengaluru target.
Minister Addresses Criticisms
Responding to Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty’s statement regarding her refusal to participate, Mr. Tangadagi urged individuals in responsible positions to understand the survey’s purpose rather than making misleading remarks. “The survey collects data on the social, educational, economic, and employment aspects of the entire population, not just backward classes. Please do not misguide the public,” he stated.
When questioned about the slow progress in Dharwad, he attributed it to Union Minister and Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi’s public refusal to participate and his encouragement for others to follow suit. “Such behavior is inappropriate. Public figures are observed by the people. Should we then oppose a Census conducted by the Centre? Can this be politicized? Those in responsible positions must act responsibly,” he concluded.