Bengaluru
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state will undertake a new Socio-Educational Survey, often referred to as a caste survey, to assess the social, educational, political, and economic status of its people. The exercise will be led by Madhusudhan R. Naik, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.
Why now and legal basis
The last comprehensive survey was conducted in 2015 under the Kantharaj Commission. More than ten years have passed since then, prompting the government to commission a new study. The survey has legal backing through constitutional provisions under Articles 14, 15, and 16, as well as the Backward Classes Amendment Act, which requires periodic updates of socio-educational data.
Implementation and participation
The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes will oversee the survey under Madhusudhan R. Naik. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has appealed to all citizens to participate actively, provide accurate information, and avoid withholding details.
Preparatory measures include ASHA workers visiting households to distribute forms ahead of the actual enumeration. The survey will also integrate data from ration cards, Aadhaar numbers, and mobile phone details to strengthen accuracy.
Expected outcome and timeline
The government has set a target for the final report to be completed by December 2025. Officials expect the updated database to guide welfare schemes, inform decisions on reservation policies, and provide crucial insights into the state’s educational, economic, and social inequalities.