Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Apr 15: Amid rising confusion and conflicting statements regarding the caste census report, former chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, Jayaprakash Hegde, issued a clarification. He stated that although a decision was initially made to issue a statement only after the cabinet discussion on April 17, the ongoing speculation and contradictory remarks from various quarters have necessitated an explanation.
“There is a perception among some people that their caste has been left out, but the survey has included all castes present in the state,” he said. “I cannot reveal the exact numbers right now.”
Responding to claims that caste details were not collected, Hegde pointed out that nearly 500 castes were found to lack complete data. “It is incorrect to say that a caste survey was not conducted. During Kantharaj’s tenure, a format for data collection was prepared,” he added.
Defending the methodology, he stressed, “This report cannot be dismissed as unscientific. It comprised 54 questions and covered both social and educational aspects. It is not merely a caste census – caste was only one part of the overall survey.”
He explained that the data was based on self-declarations from households. “We have not determined anyone’s caste. What was told to the surveyors by the family members was recorded.”
Hegde emphasized that the report should be discussed after it is made public. “If there are errors, corrections can be made. The government itself has said that it is open to amending mistakes. The Chief Minister mentioned that 95% of the data is accurate.”
He warned against rejecting the report without reviewing it. “It's not true that Siddaramaiah sat and wrote the report himself. Surveys were conducted in every district under the leadership of Deputy Commissioners. Trained teachers conducted the survey in each village.”
Reiterating the transparency of the process, he stated that “no teacher had a personal interest, and the data was collected using a pre-approved format. This is not a privately commissioned report.”
Addressing grievances that certain communities’ numbers appear low, Hegde clarified that people residing outside the state were not counted. For example, “Some Lingayats have expressed dissatisfaction. Some people identified themselves as Hindu Ganiga instead of Lingayat. We don’t know who said what during the survey, and it’s not possible for officers to correct that without a formal complaint.”
“If needed, corrections can be made through proper procedures. However, if the report cannot be implemented, what’s the point of conducting another survey?” he questioned. “This survey was done scientifically, and there is no issue with it.”
He also explained the role of Bharat Electronics Ltd., which uploaded the report securely, stating, “They haven’t shared the password with anyone. All these rumours are unfounded.”
Calling for a cabinet-level discussion before the public release, Hegde concluded: “I hope the report will be implemented. It was prepared after considerable effort. To clear public doubts, the report must be made public. But first, let the cabinet deliberate on it.”
He further reminded that an interim report was submitted earlier, parts of which were accepted by the previous government. “They now reject what they once approved, citing the Supreme Court case as a reason for inaction. But the committee was formed under the BJP government, and most members were chosen from within the BJP itself. This is not a Congress-created report.”
Quoting Dr B R Ambedkar, Hegde said, “Ambedkar stated in his final speech that caste is anti-national and should be eradicated. This report is essential for that cause. Equality in society can only be achieved when everyone gets equal opportunity, and for that, proper reservations must be ensured.”