Caste Census Makes Karnataka Residents Unhappy

The caste census recently initiated by the Karnataka government is facing significant resistance—not only from citizens but also from the workforce, primarily comprising teachers and Anganwadi staff.

- BELIE THOMAS

The Karnataka cabinet approved the caste census on June 12 and set a 90-day deadline to complete the exercise, which has been dubbed a socio-economic survey.

An earlier caste census, conducted by H. Kantharaj and later revised by Jayaprakash Hegde, drew criticism from several communities—including Lingayats, Kodavas, Bunts, Balijas, and Idigas—who alleged that their population numbers were under-reported. At that time, the exercise was also referred to as a socio-economic and educational census.

Now, as the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government pushes ahead with the new caste census, the process is already encountering roadblocks, with pushback from both citizens and government staff tasked with conducting it.