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Mangaluru, 8 October (IANS) School Education and Literacy Minister, Shivamogga District In -charge and State Congress OBC Wing President Madhu Bangarappa has strongly condemned criticism by opposition leaders regarding the ongoing social, economic and educational survey, known as caste census in the state.
Speaking at a meeting of Karnataka Pradesh Congress backward class leaders held in Mangaluru on Wednesday, the minister said that the survey deadline has been extended till 18 October.
He said, “By Tuesday night, about 81 percent of the survey work has been completed across the state. 38 percent has progressed in Bengaluru, 68 percent in Mangaluru and 62 percent in Udupi. Mysore has been delayed due to the Dussehra festival.”
The minister clarified that adjusted leave will be provided to the teachers engaged in survey work.
He said, “According to the Right to Education Act, 220 teaching days are necessary, while currently 240 days are available. Therefore, even if the holidays are given, it will not affect the academic calendar.”
BJP leaders Prahlad Joshi, Pratap Simha, Tejashwi Surya, Ashwath Narayan and R.K. Targeting Ashoka, Bangarappa asked, “We have taken oath under the Constitution. When the constitution itself provides such survey, with which mouth are the opposition leaders trying to oppose it?”
He further said, “Senior leaders like former CM BS Yeddyurappa and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda have not spoken against the survey. I believe they clearly understand the purpose behind it.”
Defending the exercise, Bangarappa said, “This survey is not against any caste or religion. It is an initiative to achieve equality based on human values, according to the constitutional vision of BR Ambedkar. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is leading this effort to marginalize the society and to uplift the oppressed classes.”
The minister also mentioned that technical challenges faced technical challenges in Mangaluru, Udupi and Bengaluru regions, where about 15,000 to 18,000 residents were found temporarily unavailable as they are living abroad or have moved elsewhere. He said that the government will take appropriate action against the employees who refuse to cooperate in the survey as per the current rules.
Criticizing the government for caste census, Leader of Opposition R.K. Ashok said on Wednesday, “There was no prior plan for how long it would take to do caste census.
Ashok alleged, “This caste census, no preparation, outline or clear objectives – will not be any real benefit for the Kannadigas only for political gains.”
Ashok underlined, “Ten years ago, the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government had ruined Rs 150 crore in the name of caste census. Now, once again, she is negligent wasting Rs 650 crore of Kannada taxpayers.”
-IANS
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