Karnataka Caste Census Survey Extended to October 19: CM Siddaramaiah Announces School Holidays for Completion

Bengaluru:

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the Social-Economic and Academic Survey, commonly referred to as the Caste Census, will be finalized by October 19.

To facilitate the enumeration work conducted by teachers, the government has declared holidays for state schools across Karnataka.

The previous deadline for survey completion was set to expire on October 7.

"The survey work will be completed by October 19. We experienced some technical issues initially, which are now being resolved. I extend my gratitude to all enumerators," Siddaramaiah stated during a press conference in Bengaluru following a review meeting.

He explained that the Socio-Economic and Educational survey of Karnataka's population, which commenced on September 2, was scheduled to conclude on October 7; however, it remains incomplete across several districts.

"While Koppal has completed approximately 97 percent of the survey work, Mangaluru district has only reached about 67 percent completion, indicating significant variations throughout the state," he noted.

The Chief Minister mentioned that discussions regarding the delay took place between the Education Department and the Backward Classes Commission, as 1.2 lakh teachers and 1.6 lakh staff members are currently engaged in conducting the survey.

He indicated that Congress Legislative Council member Puttanna and the teachers' association requested a 10-day extension to finalize the survey.

"In response to their request, the government has announced holidays for government and aided schools until October 18, providing eight working days of leave," Siddaramaiah explained.

The Chief Minister confirmed that lecturers from pre-university colleges have been exempted from survey responsibilities due to the II PUC mid-term examinations scheduled from October 12.

"In Bengaluru city alone, 6,700 teachers are participating in the survey. The city contains 46 lakh households, with each teacher assigned to cover 10-15 houses daily," he stated.

Siddaramaiah has instructed that Bengaluru's survey must be completed before Naraka Chaturdashi.

"Teachers have promised to complete the work within the given timeframe. Bengaluru has only recorded 36 percent enumeration, which is insufficient. I have consulted with all senior bureaucrats, who have agreed that the work will be completed before Diwali," he asserted.

He also announced that three teachers have died while performing survey duties, and the government will provide compensation of Rs 20 lakh to each of their families.

"The government will take disciplinary action against individuals who refuse or show reluctance to participate in the survey. In certain areas within the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA), the survey began late due to election commission duties and other training programs, resulting in lower completion rates compared to other regions," he explained.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed that teachers will conduct special classes to compensate for the holidays and complete the syllabus.

"They have provided written confirmation, ensuring students will not miss any academic content," he added.

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