Bengaluru – The Social and Educational Survey, widely known as the caste census in Karnataka, began on Monday with enumerators visiting households across the state. Around 1.75 lakh enumerators, mostly government teachers, will cover nearly 7 crore people in 2 crore households.
Officials noted a short delay in Greater Bengaluru due to training requirements, though the survey is progressing in most regions. Technical glitches and server issues were reported in several areas but were resolved, allowing the exercise to continue.
The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, which is conducting the survey at an estimated cost of ₹420 crore, aims to complete data collection using a 60-question questionnaire. Each household will be geo-tagged using electricity meter numbers and assigned a Unique Household ID, with ration cards and Aadhaar linked to mobile numbers. Citizens can also provide data online or through a helpline (8050770004).
The caste list used by enumerators has drawn criticism for including dual identities like “Kuruba Christian” and “Brahmin Christian.” Commission Chairman Madhusudan R. Naik clarified that these names have been masked in the app and are only for internal use, not legally binding.
The High Court will hear petitions on September 23 challenging the survey’s legality, while opposition parties like the BJP have accused the Congress government of rushing the process for political motives. The 2015 caste survey, which cost ₹165 crore, was discarded; this new exercise, approved in June, seeks to provide updated data.
