The Story So Far
On April 11, a 10-year-old Caste Census (Socio-Economic and Educational Survey) was accepted by the Karnataka State Cabinet led by CM Siddaramaiah.
The survey data was originally collected by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes in 2015 but the report, compiled by K. Jayaprakash Hegde’s Commission, was not submitted until 2024.
The survey's release has been delayed multiple times due to political concerns over its potential implications, especially between dominant communities like Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva-Lingayats and other backward classes.
On April 17, the Cabinet discussed the recommendations but no decision was made.
What Are the Major Findings?
Backward Classes in Karnataka are about 70% of the population.
The Muslim community is the largest group with 12.58% of the population (75.25 lakhs).
Veerashaiva-Lingayats, a strong political group in North and Central Karnataka, make up 11% (66.35 lakhs).
Vokkaligas, a dominant community in the Old Mysore region, constitute 10.29% (61.58 lakhs).
Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 18.2% (1.09 crore) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are 7.1% (43.81 lakhs), totaling 24.1% of the population.
General category (Brahmins, Arya Vaishya, etc.) forms 4.9% (29.74 lakhs).
What Has the Hegde Commission Recommended?
The reservation matrix for backward classes should be increased from 32% to 51%.
The survey recommends a reclassification of castes from 5 categories to 6.
The creamy layer policy exemption should be removed for Category 1 castes, which include the “most backward” groups.
The Kuruba community, previously considered “more backward”, has been moved to the “most backward” category.
Politically Dominant Communities Reactions
Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities have rejected the survey, calling it “unscientific” and questioning the population data.
These groups claim their population figures are underreported, especially with a significant number of households not counted, and have demanded a new survey.
Legal actions and protests are being planned by these communities to contest the survey results.
How Has the Commission Justified Its Survey?
The commission argues that the survey was scientific, conducted using government machinery, and that only 5% of the population was left out.
It cites issues such as migration and absenteeism during enumeration, especially in urban areas like Bengaluru, where the participation rate was 85%.
The commission claims that even the national Census has 3% exclusion.
Are There Other Issues in the Report?
Removing creamy layer exemption could harm nomadic communities with low literacy and representation.
Moving the Kuruba community to “most backward” is controversial due to their political strength.
The proposed 51% OBC reservation could exceed the Supreme Court’s 50% limit, leading to potential legal issues.
Why the Discussion Now?
Congress promised to accept the survey before the 2023 elections.
Pressure from states like Bihar and Telangana for OBC reservations made the issue urgent.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments also pushed the Congress government to release the report.
What Happens Next?
The Cabinet will meet again on May 2.
Discussions may take up to a year before the report is fully accepted.
A Cabinet sub-committee may be formed to review the findings.
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