3-Phase Survey for SC Sub-classification Starts

The Karnataka government on Monday began a state-wide caste survey for Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-classification, marking the first step towards implementing internal reservation for Dalits, chief minister Siddaramaiah said.

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU: The enumeration exercise will go on till May 17.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the survey was in line with the Congress's poll promise to ensure equitable distribution of SC reservation.

"The enumeration of scheduled castes is going on in the state. A one-man commission led by the retired high court judge, Justice HN Nagamohan Das, has been constituted. He has been mandated to give a clear report on the sub quota for castes in the SC list," the CM said.

The panel has to submit its report in 60 days, he said, adding that ₹100 crore will be spent on the exercise and 65,000 teachers will be roped in as enumerators. "Based on the commission's findings, the cabinet will take a decision," Siddaramaiah said.

"As announced in our election manifesto, we are committed to implementing internal reservation. In this direction, we have taken a significant step today," the senior Congress leader said.