Bengaluru, October 6 (IANS) The Congress-led government in Karnataka is expected to expand the October 7 deadline to complete the controversial socio-economic and educational survey, which is commonly known as a caste census, sources said on Monday.
The possibility of being declared on this evening or Tuesday is required at a slow pace of expansion, technical glits and general confusion, which has prevented the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC) from completing the practice within a 15-day time limit, which has been called as a short time frame.
Sources said that the deadline is likely to be extended by at least ten days.
Launched on 22 September, the survey aims to collect data from about 7 crore people in 2 crore homes using the 60-pledge questionnaire.
The government claims that practice is important to prepare effective welfare policies and bring marginalized communities into the socio-economic mainstream.
The caste census started on Saturday in the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) area, which included five city corporations.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly opposed the practice.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and many other BJP leaders have urged people not to divide the details.
The High Court has directed the government to ensure confidentiality and not force people to provide information during the survey.
The state president of the BJP by Vijayendra said, “We are not opposing the census of the caste. The Congress -led government is playing the role of chess in its name. They are trying to divide the Hindu society.”
Official data released on Sunday evening showed that the survey was completed in about 1.09 crore houses, including 4.10 crore people, which is 76.43 percent of the target.
Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivkumar reiterated that social and educational survey will continue despite objections.
“The court has ruled that people do not need to answer some questions if they want.
Asked if the survey would be completed in the next few days, he replied, “The officials concerned will review the deadline.”
The Government of Karnataka is census a caste census at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore between September 22 and October 7.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, about 1.75 lakh government school teachers have been deployed for drive during Dushera holidays.
In 2015, the Siddaramaiah -led Congress government held a caste census for Rs 165.51 crore, but was released after criticism and intervention by the high command of the Congress.
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MKA/SNJ/SKP