Caste survey questions include unnecessary, intrusive queries on marriage, education, and illiteracy causes, says Ashoka
Bengaluru
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka has criticized the state government for conducting the caste survey in haste, calling it poorly planned and filled with unnecessary questions.
Speaking to reporters, he said the survey led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has hit a snag due to attempts to complete it within a short timeframe. “The deadline has been extended again. Surveyors, under pressure, are conducting haphazard surveys and merely sticking stickers in front of houses. People are aware of this and are rejecting the survey,” he claimed.
Ashoka highlighted several flaws in the survey questions, such as asking the age at marriage, details of school education, loan amounts, sources of loans, type of land settled on, and the value of jewelry. “Questions like these are unnecessary for a socio-educational survey and waste hundreds of crores of rupees,” he alleged.
He further accused the government of using the survey to reduce scheme beneficiaries, claiming that funds have not reached all corporations and flood damage compensation is pending. “By collecting this information, they plan to cut off facilities for people,” he said.
The BJP leader also expressed concerns about stalled development across the state, including Bengaluru, accusing the government of proposing new schemes to mislead people.
On a separate note, Ashoka commented on the Soujanya case, saying, “If the family goes to court, justice will be served. My wish is that justice should be done to Soujanya.”
He urged the government to conduct surveys transparently, without unnecessary questions, and focus on delivering benefits and development rather than creating confusion and controversy.
