The Karnataka cabinet has taken up the long-delayed Socio-Economic and Educational Survey , commonly referred to as the caste census, amid mounting political tensions within the ruling Congress party. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, facing resistance from influential caste groups and internal party divisions, is expected to consult the Congress high command before deciding on the report’s public release.
The SES-2015 report, commissioned during Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure in 2015, was completed in 2018 but remained unpublished due to opposition from dominant communities such as the Vokkaligas and Lingayats. These groups have criticised the survey as “unscientific” and have called for it to be discarded and a new one to be conducted.
The report was presented at the cabinet meeting on Thursday, following Siddaramaiah’s meeting with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who has been advocating for a nationwide caste census. Gandhi’s push for a pan-India caste census has reignited debates within the Congress party, especially in Karnataka, where the SES-2015 report has become a contentious issue.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, a prominent Vokkaliga leader, and other upper-caste ministers have reportedly urged the Congress high command to stall the tabling of the caste survey report. The internal divisions within the party have complicated the decision-making process, with some members fearing that the report’s release could alienate key voter bases ahead of upcoming elections.
The SES-2015 report was prepared by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes under K Jayaprakash Hegde, based on data collected by over 1.6 lakh officials, including teachers and district-level authorities. Despite being completed, the findings have never been made public, fueling skepticism and criticism.
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