Bengaluru, June 13 – A caste-based socio-economic survey conducted in Karnataka in 2015 during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure has once again sparked political controversy, as reports confirm that the findings of the report, which cost the exchequer nearly Rs 160 crore, have not been made public or used for policymaking to date.
The survey, commissioned with the objective of assessing the social and economic status of different caste groups in the state, was the first of its kind since the Mandal Commission at the national level. Conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC), it aimed to provide empirical data that could guide decisions on reservations, welfare schemes, and social justice policies.
Despite the effort and public resources invested, successive governments—both Congress and BJP—have hesitated to release the report. Political analysts suggest that the findings might challenge existing assumptions about caste-wise population shares, especially in relation to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), possibly altering the dynamics of reservation and representation.
The issue has now resurfaced after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his current tenure, expressed intent to revisit the report. However, opposition parties have accused the government of selectively using the data for political gain while failing to ensure transparency. BJP leaders have called it a gross misuse of public funds, demanding a white paper on why the report has been withheld for nearly a decade.
Meanwhile, social justice groups and Dalit organizations are demanding the immediate release of the report, arguing that it holds crucial information for the effective implementation of affirmative action policies. "The delay undermines the principles of equality and transparency. If the data is genuine and useful, why has it not been shared with the public?" questioned a representative of a backward-class welfare association.
In response, Congress leaders maintain that the report was politically sensitive and required careful scrutiny before public dissemination. A senior official in the state administration noted that the findings may have revealed unexpected demographic patterns, which could disrupt the current structure of reservations and political alliances.
Experts believe that the issue goes beyond Karnataka, as several states are now considering or conducting caste surveys to gather updated social data. Bihar recently released its own caste survey, triggering calls for a national-level caste census.
The debate around the Karnataka caste census also raises larger questions about government accountability and the effective use of taxpayer money. With Rs 160 crore already spent and no visible outcome, citizens and watchdog organizations are demanding clarity on whether the report will ever serve its intended purpose.
As political parties gear up for future elections, the issue is likely to remain in public focus, not only as a matter of governance but also as a test of commitment to social justice and transparency.
