Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, author Sudha Murty, have declined to participate in Karnataka’s ongoing caste census. They submitted a self-attested letter to the State Backward Classes Commission, citing personal reasons for opting out.
In the letter, the couple stated that they do not belong to any backward caste and that providing information would not serve any purpose. “We and our family will not participate in the census,” Narayana Murthy wrote. Their decision highlights growing concerns about privacy in the survey.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar participated in the census at his Bengaluru residence. Enumerators asked multiple questions on caste, religion, and other personal details, with Shivakumar expressing mild irritation at repeated questioning.
The deadline for the Karnataka caste census has been extended. Schools now operate on a half-day schedule, and the survey will conclude statewide by October 12 and in Bengaluru by October 24. So far, about 83% of households have been covered, with 1.22 crore households enumerated out of 1.43 crore.
