Ministers flag flaws in urban data gaps in caste census

Bengaluru: The Siddaramaiah-led Congress govt is under growing pressure over the credibility of the caste census, as several ministers reportedly raised concerns about its accuracy during a special cabinet meeting Thursday.
The Socio-Economic and Educational Survey—conducted in 2015 by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes headed by H Kantharaj—covered 5.9 crore people across 1.3 crore households. Though completed in 2018, the report remained under wraps for years due to its sensitive content. Another commission, led by Jayaprakash Hegde, revised the report using data from the Kantharaj commission and submitted it to the govt last year.
Though chief minister Siddaramaiah made attempts to accept and implement the report, it has faced stiff opposition, not only from the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, which fear misrepresentation in the findings, but also his own ministers belonging to these two powerful groups.
According to sources familiar with Thursday's cabinet discussions, ministers from the two communities questioned the survey's methodology and warned that flawed data could trigger social unrest. Two ministers said there are glaring discrepancies in the report. For example, some marginal sub-castes within the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities have seen inflated numbers, while some dominant sub-castes are underrepresented. Implementing this will open a Pandora's box, they warned
Several people have been complaining that no enumerator visited their houses over the last 10 years. Some enumerators who were part of the survey have been contacted by opposition parties, and they have reportedly admitted to the problems they encountered during the exercise due to lack of publicity and awareness.
Some enumerators told them that urban enumeration was particularly problematic and they couldn't access gated communities or high-rise apartment complexes where certain dominant caste groups reside. Sometimes they were literally chased away even by residents of individual houses, they reportedly said.
"We were asked to finish large areas within a short timeframe. In cities like Bengaluru, we were often turned away from flats, with residents unwilling to disclose caste details," said an enumerator who worked at Rajajinagar and requested anonymity.
A field officer from Davanagere shared similar issues: "We were asked to give caste details based on their sub-sect and not their religion. Many entries had to be completed manually, and there was confusion about caste classifications as people gave evasive answers. Some communities were unsure how to describe themselves. This was because there was no awareness that the govt was undertaking such a census, mainly pertaining to caste."
Considering such complaints, experts have now urged the govt to release the raw data and explain the methodology. "Transparency is key. If there are errors, let them be debated in the open. Independent data auditors should be brought in as there is still scope for making corrections," said SK Murthy, a public policy researcher from Mysuru.
Siddaramaiah had recently asserted that 95% of the report is accurate. "Without examining it, one should not dismiss it as unscientific," he said.
The govt may now set up a panel to re-examine the urban data. "We are open to suggestions. Our aim is not to divide but to deliver welfare based on evidence," said a senior official of the chief minister's office.
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This is a socio-educational survey, not merely a caste census. Caste is just one component, recorded as stated by the respondents. The survey teams did not assign castes; they noted what each household declared. If there are any errors in the final report, there will be scope for corrections once it is made public. Surveys were conducted under the supervision of deputy commissioners in every district, and trained teachers carried out the fieldwork in each village. These teachers had no personal stake—they simply filled out the prescribed forms. To address public concerns and ensure transparency, the report should be released
K Jayaprakash Hegde | former chairman, Commission for Backward Classes
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The caste census has proved to be unscientific and their own ministers are questioning its legitimacy. The govt has wasted over Rs 150 crore on the exercise, which is deemed flawed and unreliable... Many communities, including Jains and backwards classes, are contradicting the numbers shown in the report. BJP has repeatedly stated this census has not been carried out properly
BY Vijayendra | state BJP president