Bengaluru, June 12, 2025 — The Karnataka government has announced plans to conduct a fresh caste census across the state, discarding the findings of the previous survey conducted in 2015. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the new census aims to provide accurate and updated data to support social justice and equitable distribution of welfare schemes.
Speaking at a press conference, Siddaramaiah said, “The earlier caste census report was not made public due to concerns over its credibility and methodology. We have now decided to initiate a new caste-based survey to ensure that all communities receive their rightful representation in policy decisions.”
The new survey will be carried out by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes and will include updated questions on caste, sub-caste, socio-economic status, and access to education and government benefits. The government plans to conduct a pilot phase by August 2025, followed by full-scale data collection in early 2026. The survey will be carried out using digital tools to ensure accuracy and prevent duplication.
Political reactions to the move have been mixed. While several OBC and Dalit groups have welcomed the announcement, calling it a necessary step for inclusive governance, opposition parties have raised concerns. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the Congress-led government is attempting to use the caste census for electoral gains ahead of local body elections and the 2026 Assembly polls.
“This is a politically motivated move. The Congress government is trying to divide society and gain votes,” said BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra. However, government officials maintained that the objective is purely administrative and aimed at ensuring social equity.
Social justice advocates argue that the absence of up-to-date caste data hampers effective policymaking. “If the government does not know the actual population of each community, how can it allocate resources or set reservation quotas fairly?” said Dr. Anil Hegde, a senior sociologist and policy analyst.
Upper-caste organisations, meanwhile, have expressed apprehension over the initiative, fearing it may disrupt social harmony. Legal experts have also pointed out the need for constitutional scrutiny, especially regarding reservation limits that currently stand capped at 50% as per Supreme Court rulings.
The state’s last caste census, undertaken during the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in 2015, has remained unpublished. According to reports, its findings allegedly showed discrepancies in the estimated population share of dominant communities, leading to internal political pressures that stalled its release.
With Karnataka now becoming the first state to consider a renewed, full-scale caste enumeration exercise, the move is likely to set a precedent for other states. It also aligns with national-level demands for a caste census, which have intensified in recent years amid debates on affirmative action and welfare policies.
The outcome of the new caste census is expected to significantly influence future policy frameworks in Karnataka and could reshape the state’s political and social landscape in the years ahead.
