Karnataka’s caste survey disarray

• The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSC) conducted a socio-economic and educational survey on the population of Karnataka’s backward classes.

• The survey was accepted by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Cabinet on April 11, 2024.

• The data was collected from 1.35 crore households covering a population of 5.98 crores, nearly 95% of the projected population of 6.35 crores.

• The survey was conducted by H. Kantharaj Commission, but the report was not submitted by K. Jayaprakash Hegde’s Commission in 2024.

• The report was not received by the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition government and the BJP government that succeeded it.

• The survey revealed a fault line between the politically dominant Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities and other backward class communities.

• The total population of backward classes in the State is about 70%, with Muslims being the largest bloc.

• The Hegde Commission recommended an increase in the total reservation matrix for backward classes from the current 32% to 51%.

• The commission also proposed the removal of exemption from the creamy layer policy for castes in Category 1, which are the’most backward’.

• The socio-economic and educational data of the communities are yet to be released.

Political Reaction to Caste Census Report in India

• Politically dominant communities in India reject the findings of the caste census report, citing it as “unscientific.”

• Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha and All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha have requested another survey, citing outdated data.

• They claim Vokkaligas should be around 12% to 14% and Veerashaiva-Lingayats around 17% to 22% of the population.

• Many households from their communities were excluded from the survey, and there was confusion in enumerating sub-castes.

• Cabinet Ministers from these communities have met separately and closed ranks to register their protests.

• Other communities, including Brahmins, Christians, and Yadavas/Gollas, also claim their population figures have been under-reported.

• The commission justified its survey as scientific and unbiased, but noted that nearly 5% of the population was left out due to migration, absence at home during enumeration, and lack of cooperation.

• Experts have criticized the removal of exemption from creamy layer policy to the’most backward’ castes, particularly the Kuruba community.

• The recommendation of enhanced reservation for OBCs to 51% breaches the Supreme Court’s 50% ceiling for reservation.

• The State Cabinet is set to discuss the report again on May 2, with speculations over a Cabinet subcommittee being set up to discuss the issue.