Public Should Know Contents of Caste Census Report: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara
Minister Calls for Transparency
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara emphasized the importance of making the caste census report accessible to the public. The report was submitted by the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission earlier this year in February. Parameshwara highlighted that failing to discuss the report could lead to accusations against the state government of attempting to hide its contents.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Parameshwara stated that the government intends to present the caste census report to the Cabinet for a comprehensive discussion on its implications. He remarked that the Chief Minister would announce any decisions regarding the report at a later date.
Financial Investment in Census
Parameshwara pointed out that the state government has invested ₹160 crores in the caste census initiative. He stressed that if the findings are not shared with the public, the expenditure would not serve any meaningful purpose. He asserted that it is crucial for people to be aware of the report’s contents to avoid potential allegations of governmental opacity.
He further noted, “Implementation of the census report is a different matter. Shouldn’t that information come out?” highlighting the necessity for public knowledge surrounding the findings of the report.
Next Steps in Decision-Making
Earlier in October, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah affirmed that the Cabinet would deliberate on the implementation of the caste census report following discussions on the matter. He indicated plans to engage with the Minister of Backward Classes regarding the details of the report.
Opposition Criticism
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the Congress party for not disclosing the caste census data promptly. The report was delivered to the government in February by Jayaprakash Hegde, the Chairman of the Commission for Backward Classes.
The demand for a nationwide caste census has become a key agenda for Congress on the national stage, with several parties within the INDIA bloc echoing this call for accurate demographic data on various caste groups. Furthermore, other opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), have long advocated for undertaking a caste-based census in India, emphasizing its significance for understanding the population distribution among different caste communities.
