Caste Census report delayed: CM

New Delhi

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a postponement in presenting the Socio-Economic and Education Survey, or the “caste census,” to the cabinet. The report, expected to be tabled on January 16, will now be presented at a later cabinet meeting.

Speaking to the media, Siddaramaiah refuted claims of internal opposition, stating, "No one, including me, has seen the report's contents. Opposition doesn’t arise when no one knows the details. The contents will only be known once tabled in the cabinet.”

Commissioned during Siddaramaiah’s 2015 Congress-led government, the caste census has been contentious. Though completed in 2018 by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes under K Jayaprakash Hegde, the Rs. 160 crore report remains unpublished, drawing criticism from political and community groups.

Home Minister G Parameshwara has stressed the importance of public transparency, advocating for the report's release while affirming that decisions based on its findings rest solely with the government.

Siddaramaiah dismissed rumors that the delay stemmed from party resistance and emphasized the need for careful review before proceeding.