Bengaluru: The ongoing Karnataka social and educational survey, being conducted across the state to collect caste-based data, has been temporarily paused till October 23 due to the Diwali festival, with officials set to resume and complete the process by October 31.
The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to assess the progress of the social and educational census. Ministers K.J. George, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Ramalinga Reddy, and Byrathi Suresh, along with Backward Classes Commission Chairman Madhu Sudhan R. Naik, Political Secretary to CM Naseer Ahmad, Economic Adviser Basavaraj Rayareddy, and senior IAS officers including Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and Additional Chief Secretary Anjum Parvez attended the meeting.
Survey Resumes After Diwali
Officials said the break was necessary as many field staff were returning to their hometowns for the festival. The survey teams will resume operations in Bengaluru and other pending districts from October 23, with the goal of completing the enumeration phase by October 31.
“Most district-level work is nearing completion, but Bengaluru remains the largest pending area due to its high population density and urban data complexity,” officials noted.
Survey Progress and Challenges
The social and educational survey, which initially faced logistical and app-related challenges, has stabilized after staff training and technical upgrades. The government aims to gather accurate caste-based data to support inclusive welfare policies and ensure scientific classification of backward communities.
Officials also reported that many urban residents initially hesitated to share personal data but participation has now improved significantly.
Key Direction from CM Siddaramaiah
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed departments to ensure that pending data collection is completed in time and urged officials to maintain accuracy and transparency. “This exercise is vital for implementing welfare schemes based on factual social and economic realities,” he said.
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