Karnataka Launches Statewide Caste Survey Amid Opposition, Technical Glitches Reported on Day One
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has rolled out its statewide social and educational survey, pushing ahead despite opposition from dominant communities. On the first day, the caste survey in Karnataka progressed smoothly across most regions, though some districts reported technical glitches and delays.
Survey staff were equipped with survey kits, ID cards, caps, and other essentials, before heading out to collect household data. Enumerators used mobile software to identify colonies, apartments, and residences, pasting UHID stickers on homes after completion. The questionnaire contains 60 sections, designed to help the state frame policies addressing social, educational, and economic inequalities.
Officials confirmed that BESCOM meter readers had already completed geo-tagging through RR numbers, uploading house lists into the IDES servers, ensuring a structured start. However, in some districts, teachers complained of delayed survey kits, inadequate training, and malfunctioning mobile applications, which hampered smooth enumeration.
In Shivamogga, Minister Madhu Bangarappa intervened to resolve confusion and distribute kits to teachers. In Chitradurga, Minister D. Sudhakar flagged off the survey, though technical errors caused delays. Ballari, Haveri, and Hubballi also witnessed software-related hurdles.
Meanwhile, Lingayat and Vokkaliga community leaders have urged the government to extend the survey timeline, arguing that 15 days is insufficient to complete statewide data collection. They also raised concerns in a meeting with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.
In Bengaluru Urban district, the survey has commenced across all blocks, with enumerators covering 12.43 lakh households, according to Deputy Commissioner Jagadish G.
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