Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has confirmed that the much-anticipated caste census report for the state will be made public within the next one to two months. The announcement came during a memorial ceremony held on Sunday in the Devdurg taluk of Raichur district.
CM's Announcement at Memorial Event
Siddaramaiah was attending a memorial programme for Siddaramanandapuri Swamiji at the Sri Kaginale Mahasamsthan Kanaka Gurupeetha near Thinthani Bridge. While addressing the gathering, he responded to a query from the audience regarding the status of the caste census.
The Chief Minister clarified that the government is actively discussing the matter and assured that the final report will be released publicly in the coming weeks. This statement has sparked significant interest across political and social circles in Karnataka, as the census findings are expected to influence future policy decisions and welfare schemes.
Background of the Caste Census
The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission had completed the extensive enumeration process earlier last year. The commission was initially expected to finalize its report by the end of December. The comprehensive survey, which aimed to gather detailed data on caste demographics across the state, incurred an estimated cost ranging between Rs 400 crore and Rs 625 crore.
This initiative represents one of the largest socio-economic data collection efforts in recent state history, with potential implications for resource allocation and affirmative action policies.
Political and Social Implications
The impending release of the caste census data comes at a crucial time for Karnataka's political landscape. Various communities and political groups have been eagerly awaiting the findings, which could reshape discussions around reservation policies and social justice initiatives.
The government's commitment to making the report public within a specific timeframe demonstrates its approach to transparency in addressing caste-based data collection and its subsequent utilization for developmental planning.
