Karnataka: DK pledges his Govt’s commitment to socio-economic survey, backs nationwide caste census

Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday reiterated the Congress government's commitment to implementing the state's socio-economic survey, describing it as a key step towards ensuring social justice, while strongly backing the demand for a nationwide caste census.

The state government remained committed to implementing the socio-economic survey and accused critics of opposing measures aimed at equitable representation, the CM said, addressing the 11th National Convention of the National OBC Mahasangh in Bengaluru.

"Our government conducted a socio-economic survey, and we are committed to implementing it to deliver social justice," the CM said.


Read more: ADR analysis: 84% of Karnataka ministers face criminal cases; CM Shivakumar tops wealth chart

The remarks come amid renewed political debate over caste enumeration. The Congress has consistently advocated a nationwide caste census, while Karnataka's own socio-economic survey has remained a politically sensitive issue despite being completed years ago.

Siddaramaiah, ahead of his resignation as chief minister in May last week, accepted the caste census report.

Read more: CM asked for resignation, will decide after discussing with oppn leaders: Karnataka LC chairman Basavaraj Horatti

Congress pitches social justice agenda

Shivakumar said backward classes account for nearly 52% of the country's population and deserved equitable opportunities in governance and development.

He said Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were committed to ensuring a nationwide caste census so that public policy and welfare measures could be based on accurate socio-economic data.

"We are moving forward on the principle of equal opportunity and equal share for all. A caste census is necessary to bridge inequalities and ensure every section receives its due," he said.

The CM said Karnataka has a dedicated Department for Backward Classes and that his government was committed to strengthening welfare programmes for socially and educationally backward communities.

He also claimed that nearly two-thirds of Karnataka's ministers belong to backward classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minority communities, reflecting the Congress' commitment to inclusive representation.

Guarantee Schemes

Defending the Congress government's flagship guarantee schemes, Shivakumar said the state was spending around Rs 52,000 crore annually on welfare programmes despite initial criticism over their feasibility.

He said the schemes—including Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, Gruha Jyothi and support for unemployed youth—were designed to cushion vulnerable sections against rising living costs and had become a model for other states.

The CM also highlighted Karnataka's social reform legacy, referring to Basavanna's Anubhava Mantapa as an early example of participatory governance and recalling reforms introduced under former chief minister Devaraj Urs.

Appealing to members of the National OBC Mahasangh, Shivakumar said the Congress had historically worked to protect the interests of backward classes and urged them to support the party's vision of social justice and inclusive development.