In their self-declaration, the couple mentioned that they are economically, socially, and educationally advanced, and their participation would not serve the intended purpose of identifying and assisting backward classes.

The Karnataka government had made participation in the survey voluntary, following High Court directives. However, their decision has sparked a public debate on issues of social responsibility, privilege, and the broader intent behind such surveys meant to ensure fair representation and welfare measures for underprivileged communities.

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Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar told reporters that a final decision would come only after Siddaramaiah’s discussions with ministers and officials. The government had earlier announced plans to conduct the fresh survey between September 22 and October 7, under the supervision of the State Commission for Backward Classes. Officials said the move was necessary because the earlier 2015 survey report was never formally accepted.

The stated goal of the exercise is to gather accurate social and educational data that can help shape welfare programs, budget allocations, and caste-based benefits. But the announcement has sparked fresh debates across Karnataka’s political and social spectrum.

Several ministers reportedly raised objections during cabinet discussions, pointing to sensitive caste classifications that could trigger controversy. Outside government, community groups including Lingayats, Bunts, Kurubas, and ST associations have voiced concerns about how their identities and demands will be represented in the survey.

The opposition BJP has attacked the exercise, calling it “politically motivated and impractical.” Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said it was impossible to conduct such a massive survey — with around 60 questions for nearly 1.5 crore households — within the proposed two-week timeline. He also argued the state has no constitutional power to conduct a “caste census.”

Congress leaders, however, insist it is not a caste census but a legally valid socio-economic study aimed at ensuring fairer distribution of welfare schemes. Siddaramaiah has maintained that the findings will be crucial for policy-making, but Friday’s meeting is expected to decide whether the survey will go ahead as planned, be revised, or postponed.

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Shivakumar met the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, chaired by Madhusudhan R. Naik, along with cabinet colleagues H.K. Patil, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Byrathi Suresh, and B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan. Several Ministers had earlier raised concerns about the caste list and its “problematic nomenclatures,” including dual caste identities like “Kuruba Christian,” “Brahmin Christian,” and “Vokkaliga Christian.”

He emphasized that the Congress government does not intend to divide any community. The Deputy CM added that the list was prepared based on past surveys and community requests. Moreover, he clarified that the government will consider all objections carefully before announcing a final decision.

Some Ministers argued that dual identities might create an “anti-upper caste” narrative or impact the quota share of other OBCs. Shivakumar, however, reassured that the survey’s goal is to ensure fair representation and justice for all communities.

He also stressed that political arguments from opposition parties will not influence the survey. Instead, the government will focus on transparency, fairness, and accurate data collection. After consulting CM Siddaramaiah, officials will announce the timing and execution details of the survey.

Finally, Shivakumar said the government seeks to address public concerns, ensure clarity, and maintain social harmony while conducting the Social and Educational Survey.

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