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Enumerators who visited Murthy’s residence in Jayanagar were reportedly informed that the couple would not participate in the exercise. According to officials involved in the counting process, the couple politely but firmly said, “Sorry, we will not participate in this survey.”
Moneycontrol has written to Murthy and will update this story once he responds. His team did not respond to calls and messages
The Murthy couple also provided a written declaration on the survey form they brought home. He wrote in the manifesto, “We are not from the backward class. We are economically, socially and educationally advanced. In such a situation, there is no benefit to the government or the backward class by obtaining our information. The basic objective of this survey is to identify the backward class and provide them facilities. Therefore, it is right for us not to participate in it.”
Both Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy signed and returned the form formally informing them of their decision not to participate in the survey.
Asked about Murthy’s refusal, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said participation in the survey was voluntary. “It is everyone’s personal matter. We cannot force anyone into it. It is their own choice,” he told reporters.
The Karnataka Caste Census, which is currently underway across the state, consists of 60 main questions and 20 sub-questions designed by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission. Around 15.42 lakh houses have been covered so far in Bengaluru alone. However, it is not yet clear how many families have refused to participate.
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