Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 26: In a press meet at Rajathadri, Manipal, H Kantharaj, chairman, Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, said that the caste census would begin from April 11, 2015.
He said, “The caste census will start on 11 April, 2015, and go on till April 30, 2015. It is a socio-economic survey. The pilot survey will help to understand the basic problem. Udupi is preparing for this.”
Kantharaj added, “There is need to appoint nodal officers, masters, and staff to conduct the survey. Nearly 2, 239 staff are needed for field work and this might increase to 2,349 (only when 5 percent extra under reservation) and 397 supervisors. There are 1,357 castes in the OBC category, 101 castes in SC and 51 castes in ST category. There is need to recruit 1, 25, 000 staff in the state.”
He said that nearly 6, 11, 000 had been in the 2011 census report, but now this would be increased to 6, 35, 000.
“The total budget of this survey is Rs 185 crore of which Rs 32 crore had been already released and Rs 21 crore from the centre and Rs 2 crore from the state government. The Commission has raised 55 questions and 4 on social, economical, educational, and political conditions. The caste census should be conducted in every state; this is a compulsive activity under the Constitution,” said Kantharaj.
“The training will be end on March 30, 2015. It is very important to categorize various races and castes. The census will help to take measures on the basis of data. The pilot survey is being held through government officials. The caste census will involve teachers during the summer vacation,” he added.
He said to mediapersons, “Being in a secular country like India, caste census is very important because caste is a reality. It is important to balance the society and maintain a peaceful society. It would bridge the gap between castes. It would be an index for all development activity.”
“After the survey, about 3 to 4 months is needed to complete the data entry process and the census for considering those who have been disappointed by opportunities and to protect human interest,” said Kantharaj in the press conference.
Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission members such as K Lingappa, Sharanappa, Dharmaraj, Gurulingaiah, Udupi DC R Vishal, additional DC Kumar, and others were present.