Karnataka begins survey of SCs to collect empirical data

A statewide caste census for Scheduled Castes sub-classification in the state has begun and will go on till May 17, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Monday. The exercise started on Monday.

Addressing a press conference here, the CM said, “The enumeration of Scheduled Castes is going on in the state. A one-man commission led by the retired High Court Judge, Justice HN Nagamohan Das, has been constituted. He has been mandated to give a clear report on the sub quota for castes in the SC list.”

According to him, the commission has to submit its report in 60 days. Rs 100 crore will be spent on the exercise and 65,000 teachers will be roped in as enumerators.

Siddaramaiah said the purpose of this exercise was to prepare empirical data on 101 castes in the SC list.

The second phase of the exercise will be held between May 19 and 21 and designated camps will be organised as part of this for the benefit of those who were left out in the first phase.

The third phase, meant for online registration, will also begin on May 19, and it will go on till May 23. Those who are residing outside their towns can make use of this, Siddaramaiah explained.

He added that the Supreme Court verdict dated August 1, 2024, in the case of the state of Punjab and others versus Devender Singh and others, upheld the constitutionality of sub-classification within SCs.