Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated on Sunday that the state government sanctioned a new caste census because the earlier one lacked accuracy, dismissing any opposition to the crucial survey.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar asserted: "Anyone may express objections to the caste census. However, this survey needs to be conducted. Even the court has said so... There is no meaning in opposing the survey." He further justified the exercise, explaining: "The previous census was not accurate, which is why I have allowed a new one." Regarding the possibility of extending the survey deadline, he clarified that he had no involvement in that decision, stating: "It's up to the department and the commission to decide."
This statement follows Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s reaffirmation on October 3 of his government's commitment to completing the ongoing caste census, which he hoped would be finished by October 7. The CM noted that "A survey of 3 crore people from about 80 lakh houses has already been completed in the state and it is hoped that the survey work will be completed by October 7. A survey of 1.80 crore families' needs to be conducted."
Siddaramaiah clarified that the exercise is intended to gather vital socio-economic data and not to divide society. He explained that the survey is an economic, social, and educational exercise to obtain information about the condition of the people.
He asserted that the Commission would only record the caste that people voluntarily declare said, "There is no question of dividing caste in this. The Bharatiya Janata Party is misleading people for political purposes."
Also read: Potholes national issue, only being fixed in B'luru: Shivakumar
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