Karnataka began its second socio-economic survey on 22 September 2025. This survey follows the first one conducted in 2015, whose report and recommendations were discarded in 2024. The new survey is being carried out by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. It has sparked widespread controversy involving political parties and dominant caste groups. The survey aims to reassess caste-wise socio-economic data, crucial for reservation policies in the state.
Background and Recent Developments
The Congress government initiated the survey amid strong opposition from the BJP and influential caste groups. The first survey’s findings were rejected as outdated and allegedly detrimental to dominant communities. The new survey lists around 1,400 castes, including Christian sub-castes identified for the first time. These inclusions have triggered political and social backlash.
Political and Caste Opposition
The BJP accuses the ruling party of trying to divide Hindus by recognising Christian sub-castes such as Vokkaliga-Christian and Lingayat-Christian. Some Cabinet Ministers from dominant communities opposed these new caste categories. Leaders across party lines fear that recognising new groups will reduce their population figures and political influence. The Chief Minister faced pressure to delay or cancel the survey but allowed some caste names to be masked under the ‘Others’ category to ease tensions.
Role of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes
The Commission maintains that caste inclusion or exclusion is independent of government influence. It stated that members of Christian sub-castes requested separate categorisation during the last survey. The Commission’s role is to objectively gather data to assess backwardness for reservation purposes. However, political interference and caste sensitivities complicate the process.
Veerashaiva-Lingayat Community Dynamics
Two major caste organisations, Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha and Jagathika Lingayata Mahasabha, have urged their communities to identify as ‘Veerashaiva-Lingayat’ or ‘Lingayat’ religions rather than Hindus in the survey. Both groups seek separate religious status but differ on terminology. This move has alarmed the BJP, which accuses the Congress of exploiting caste divisions. Several leaders warn that abandoning Hindu identity could affect quota benefits.
Impact on Reservation and Political Clout
The survey’s data is vital for determining backward class reservations, which account for 32% within the state’s 56% quota system. Dominant communities have long used population estimates to negotiate political power. Smaller and marginalised groups hope the survey will improve their status but remain overshadowed by dominant caste politics. The focus on numerical strength overshadows the survey’s objective to identify socio-economic backwardness accurately.
Controversies and Challenges Ahead
The survey has opened a complex debate on caste identities, religion, and political representation. Conflicting interests among communities complicate the enumeration process. The government’s balancing act between political pressures and the Commission’s independent mandate remains delicate. The final survey outcome will influence Karnataka’s social justice policies and electoral dynamics.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the challenges faced in conducting caste-based socio-economic surveys in India and estimate their impact on reservation policies.
- Critically analyse the role of caste and religion in shaping political identities in contemporary state of Indias with suitable examples.
- Underline the significance of backward class commissions in India and discuss how their reports influence social justice measures.
- What are the implications of recognising sub-castes and religious identities on social cohesion? How can states manage such diversity effectively?
