Karnataka caste census data collection under lens, debate put off to May 2

Karnataka's cabinet meeting on the contentious caste census concluded without a resolution, postponing further discussions to May 2 amidst pressure from Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities. The government has not taken a conclusive stand due to concerns about the survey's scientific validity. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested ministers to submit written opinions before the next meeting.

BENGALURU: The much-anticipated special cabinet meeting on the controversial Socio-Economic and Educational Survey - popularly known as the "caste census" - ended in anti-climax Thursday with Karnataka's govt pushing discussions to its next sitting, May 2. With pressure from the dominant Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities, which have dismissed the survey as "unscientific" and demanded a fresh exercise, the cabinet refrained from taking a conclusive stand. Refusing to bite the bullet, CM Siddaramaiah has asked ministers to submit their opinions in writing before the next cabinet discussion.

The state cabinet is said to have discussed only 25% of the report, pointing to long-drawn deliberations ahead. "Neither the data on population nor the next step was discussed at the meeting," one minister claimed. Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed the discussions were inconclusive.

Sources said minister-level discussions will be held informally to iron out the wrinkles before the May 2 meeting..