Karnataka's Caste Census Ignites Debate: Social Justice Or Political Minefield? Survey Begins

Karnataka has launched a massive Social and Educational Survey, which critics say is a politically charged caste census. The state government, led by CM Siddaramaiah, began the survey on Monday and aims to cover 7 crore people across 2 crore households by October 7. The operation involves 1.75 lakh enumerators using a mobile app with a 60-question form. They’ll geo-tag homes via electricity meter IDs and link Aadhaar, ration cards, and mobile numbers to create one of the most data-intensive surveys in India. For those unavailable, an online option is also open. However, the process is stirring controversy. Communities like Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva-Lingayats have voiced concerns about sub-caste categorization, urging members to avoid splits. The Congress says this is about social justice and better welfare targeting, but the BJP claims it’s a tool for vote bank politics aimed at dividing Hindus. Survey Commissioner Madhusudan R Naik clarified that dual-identity caste names (like Vokkaliga Christian) will be masked, not deleted, allowing freedom of self-identification. With political fault lines sharpening, and even some Congress leaders uneasy, this isn’t just data collection—it’s a storm brewing.

Stay tuned for updates, expert reactions, and the real implications of Karnataka’s caste count.