Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Sunday confirmed that the state government has extended the ongoing Social and Educational Survey—commonly referred to as the ‘caste census’—until October 31.
The survey, led by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, began on September 22 and was initially scheduled to conclude by October 7. A prior extension to October 18 had been granted, coinciding with the extended Dussehra holidays for government and private-aided schools.
Notably, teachers, who were previously deployed as enumerators, will no longer be involved in the survey.
Shivakumar stated, “We’ve achieved nearly 90 per cent coverage across most districts, except Bengaluru South, Bidar, and Dharwad. Bengaluru city has seen 67 per cent participation, with 20 per cent of respondents withholding disclosure.”
A high-level review meeting on Sunday, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, included senior ministers, officials, and Commission Chairman Madhusudan R. Naik, to assess the survey’s progress.
Shivakumar announced that government staff other than teachers will now complete the enumeration. He added, “There will be Deepavali leave from October 20-22 for survey staff. Online options are also being made available for public convenience.”
He urged citizens from all communities to participate, describing the survey as “a vital opportunity. Respond to the questions you wish to answer.”
The survey, structured around a scientifically designed 60-question format, is estimated to cost Rs 420 crore. This follows a previous attempt in 2015, which spent Rs 165.51 crore on a similar survey that was eventually shelved.
-IANS
