Karnataka caste survey report tabled in Cabinet, ministers to examine departments

The Karnataka government today tabled the much-awaited report of the socio-economic survey, widely known as the caste census, during the state Cabinet meeting. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the report has been formally tabled, saying it contains several recommendations that will need further scrutiny. “It was tabled today. It contains some recommendations. Some ministers have said they need to examine those recommendations. After reviewing them, we will discuss and decide on it in the Cabinet meeting next Thursday,” he told reporters. A special Cabinet meeting has now been scheduled on April 17 to deliberate on the detailed contents of the report. Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi confirmed the meeting and said the state government will study the survey in-depth before taking any decision on its implementation. Minister Tangadagi informed that the caste census was originally conducted in 2015 as part of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission under the supervision of then officer H Kantharaja. However, the final report was presented under the leadership of the current commission chairman Jayaprakash Hegde. The presentation was made in two separate boxes containing data and analysis in different formats.