CM: K'taka socio-educational survey distinct from Centre's caste census

SOCIAL Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday clarified that his government's upcoming socio-educational and caste survey is fundamentally different from the Centre's caste census, emphasizing that the state's initiative is driven by the imperative of social justice.

- NT Correspondent

His comments follow a gazette notification stating that the nationwide caste census would commence from March 1, 2027, while in certain regions like the Union Territory of Ladakh, snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from October 1, 2026.

Addressing reporters here, Siddaramaiah said, "The Centre is doing a caste census, which will be taken up from 2027. However, it has not said that it will conduct a socio-educational survey. What we are going to do is a socio-educational survey. Caste census will also come under its purview."

He reiterated that the Karnataka government has no objection to the Centre's census but underscored the scope and intent of the state's exercise.