Bengaluru: With the Social and Educational Survey lagging behind in areas under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), the Karnataka government on Sunday decided to extend the exercise till October 31 within the city limits.

The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his home office, Krishna. Ministers K J George, Ramalinga Reddy, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Backward Classes Commission Chairman Madhusudan R Naik, GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, and other officials attended the meeting.

Extension Only for GBA Limits

The survey, which will resume after the Deepavali break, will continue in GBA limits from October 23 to 31. Other districts have almost completed the exercise, with 27 out of 31 districts recording over 90% enumeration. Enumeration in other districts and parts of Bengaluru Urban outside GBA limits will now continue only for pending households.

According to the Backward Classes Welfare Department, Karnataka’s estimated population in 2025 is 6.85 crore, and the survey has already covered 5.97 crore people (87%). Excluding Bengaluru, the coverage rises to 95%.

Teachers Relieved from Survey Work

Backward Classes Welfare Department Principal Secretary Tulasi Maddineni said that teachers across the state, including Bengaluru, have been relieved from survey duties. Non-teaching enumerators will complete the remaining work.

“During verification across districts, we found a few people left out. They can inform authorities, and the DCs will ensure coverage through local employees. Online self-enumeration will remain open till October 31,” she said.

Survey Crosses 100% in Seven Districts

As per the Backward Classes Commission, Mandya leads the state with 104.29% enumeration, followed by Tumakuru (104%), Haveri (103.42%), Chitradurga (102.92%), Udupi (101.98%), Chikkamagaluru (101.56%), and Davanagere (100.34%).
Districts below 90% include Bidar (89.46%), Dharwad (88.31%), Ramanagara (86.16%), and Bengaluru (Urban + GBA) with only 52% coverage.

Evening Campaign to Boost Coverage

Special Commissioner (Revenue), GBA, Munish Moudgil said the delay in Bengaluru was due to logistical challenges and locked homes during daytime visits.

“Enumerators cover around 30 houses per day. Many homes remain locked, so we’ve launched a special evening campaign (6–9 pm) over the past five days to reach residents when they’re home,” Moudgil said, adding that the campaign had improved results and would continue through the extension period.