25 September,2025 08:13 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondent
On September 12, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced the launch of a large-scale caste-based socio-economic survey aimed at assessing the socio-educational landscape. Representational pic
The Karnataka High Court (HC) on Thursday refused to stay the ongoing socio-economic survey initiated by the state government, despite objections raised by petitioners regarding its methodology and intent, news agency ANI reported.
In its judgment, the court stressed that participation in the survey must remain entirely voluntary. It directed the government to issue a clear notification ensuring that citizens are aware they are not obligated to participate.
The court also underscored the need for strict confidentiality in handling survey data. Authorities were instructed to ensure that no personal or sensitive information collected is made public or shared with any unauthorised entities, ANI reported.
Senior Advocate Vivek Reddy, representing the petitioners, criticised the survey process, calling it flawed.
"First of all, the division of caste is not correct by the state government. The entire exercise is flawed because there is no proper head caste and sub-caste. When we are undergoing a survey of this comprehensive nature, it should be scientific and clear. They have included various other groups that were not included in the survey. Our main concern is regarding the creation of an artificial caste to manipulate the survey and take it in the wrong direction. There was also a concern regarding data storage and protection...," Reddy told ANI.
On September 12, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the launch of a large-scale caste-based socio-economic survey aimed at assessing the state's socio-educational landscape.
The initiative is being carried out under the leadership of Madhusudan Naik, Chairman of the Backward Classes (BC) Commission, and five commission members.
The survey, targeting approximately seven crore residents, is scheduled to take place between September 22 and October 7.
Despite opposition criticism, CM Siddaramaiah has remained firm on the government's position.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "The BJP is doing politics on this issue and accusing the Congress government of being anti-Hindu. All the ministers have been instructed to condemn this unanimously. The survey will start from September 22, and will not be postponed."
Earlier in July, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy presented the âTelangana Socio-Economic Survey - Model and Methodology' at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi. Highlighting the survey's comprehensive approach, Reddy said the initiative was "not just a caste survey, but a social, economic, educational, employment, and political survey."
According to Telangana's data, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), including practising Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists, comprise 56.4 per cent of the state's population. Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 17.4 per cent, Scheduled Tribes (STs) 10.8 per cent, and forward castes 10.9 per cent. Additionally, 3.9 per cent of the population has been categorised as having "no caste," the report noted.
The survey also documented previously unlisted castes and assessed their socio-economic status by name and location.
(With ANI inputs)
