Govt to move slowly on caste census: DCM

Bengaluru

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has assured that the state government will not rush into making decisions regarding the caste census report recently tabled before the cabinet. He emphasized that the report will be thoroughly reviewed and discussed, stating, “Some may be making political statements about it (caste census), but we will understand the facts and do justice for all.”

The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes submitted the report in February 2024, but it was presented before the cabinet only last week. A special cabinet meeting has been scheduled for April 17 to hold detailed discussions. Shivakumar mentioned he hadn’t read the report yet due to other commitments.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also refrained from commenting, saying, “I don't know, because I have no information about what will be discussed in the cabinet or what is there in the report.”

According to sources, the survey—conducted in 2015—covered 5.98 crore people, out of which 70% belong to OBC categories. The Commission has recommended increasing OBC reservations from 32% to 51%, which would take total reservations in the state to 75%.

However, the report has drawn strong opposition from dominant communities like Vokkaligas and Lingayats, calling it “unscientific.” Some Congress ministers, including Shivakumar, had previously signed a memorandum urging the government to reject the findings.

The report's release could stir political tension, especially with influential community leaders demanding a fresh survey.