State to Conduct a Fresh Survey for SC Sub-Quota

The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to initiate a fresh survey to collect empirical data on scheduled castes (SC) in the state.

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU:

The move aims to address the long-standing demand for internal reservation, particularly from Dalit Left communities. The decision was taken during a recent cabinet meeting, following recommendations from the H.N. Nagamohan Das commission, which submitted an interim report to chief minister Siddaramaiah on March 27.

Law and Parliamentary affairs minister H.K. Patil, addressing reporters after the cabinet meeting on Thursday, said, "The H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission has made four recommendations that include a fresh survey, the use of modern technologies to complete the survey within 30 to 40 days, preparation of a questionnaire, and the collection of data on scheduled castes and their sub-castes for classification purposes." He further confirmed that the cabinet had accepted the recommendations and agreed to extend the commission's tenure so it could oversee the process and provide further guidance.

The survey seeks to resolve confusion surrounding the nomenclature of sub-castes such as Adi Karnataka, Adi Dravida, and Adi Andhra, which were historically coined to counter caste-based discrimination. Dalit activists have pointed out that these names, which originated during the rule of the Mysuru Maharajas, continue to create ambiguity in caste classification across different regions.