"Re-survey should be conducted": Karnataka Minister HK Patil on caste re-enumeration in state

Speaking to media persons, Patil said, " Let me tell you that when this (report) was placed, even many BJP leaders said that since this data was 10 years old, a re-survey should be conducted. Now, responding to people's views, we may decide in today's special cabinet meeting. We are going to take a final view on this today."

On caste re-enumeration in the state, Karnataka Minister HK Patil said, " Let me tell you that when this (report) was placed, even many BJP leaders said that since this data was 10 years old, a re-survey should be conducted. Now, responding to people's views, we may decide in today's special cabinet meeting. We are going to take a final view on this today."

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that the party's high command had also asked the government to review it.

"Many people have raised many questions. Therefore, we will review it in the cabinet meeting. We will also discuss whether it should be taken to the session. The party high command has also asked us to review it. Some people have said that our community has been left out. Some have said their numbers are less than the actual. That is why we are discussing it today."

Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar questioned the BJP's intention in questioning the state government's decision to re-conduct the caste census.

"The BJP was opposed to the earlier caste census, citing data sanctity issues. We have announced a redo of the census, but the BJP is still opposing this too," he said, while speaking to reporters here.

Asked about the BJP criticising the decision to reconduct the caste census, he said, "The BJP did not accept the earlier caste census report. why the opposition now, when we are trying to address the concerns? We are not rejecting the earlier census; we are only trying to correct the shortcomings of the earlier survey to allay concerns of several communities."

Asked if the survey would be conducted scientifically this time, he said, "The modalities would be discussed in the Cabinet meeting. Several communities, including the Lambanis, Jains, and Bestha communities, had met me and raised concerns about the earlier survey. The previous survey was also done scientifically through door-to-door visits, but some of the people were hesitant to share their caste details. Our national leaders have given us certain guidelines. The AICC President has given us many suggestions. The CM will discuss this in the Cabinet meeting and make a decision."

Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana have already conducted a caste census in their respective states. Telangana has also implemented a 42 per cent backwards class reservation for people in the state.

The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes has also submitted the caste census (socioeconomic and educational survey) report to the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet. The caste census report, if released, will be the second by a Congress-ruled state, after Telangana. (ANI)