As the Socio-economic and Educational Survey, also referred to as ‘caste survey’, is currently underway in Karnataka amid strong objections from the opposition parties, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has directed officials to avoid asking questions that are ‘personal’ in nature.
The survey, being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes at a cost of Rs 420 crore, began on September 22 and is scheduled to continue until October 7.
"I have told officials not to ask people in Bengaluru about how many chicken, sheep and goat people are rearing, and how much gold they have. They are personal matters. There is no need to ask about how many watches or fridge they have. I have advised them that there is no need to ask such questions. I don't know what they will do, because it is an independent commission,” Shivakumar said while talking to reporters in Bengaluru.
The survey, which is being carried out amid boycott calls from various organisations, uses a 60-question questionnaire, according to officials.
Last week, the Karnataka High Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a stay on the caste enumeration. The court, however, clarified that participation in the survey is not mandatory and directed the government to make a public announcement stating that providing information is voluntary.
Shivakumar said there is no meaning in opposing the survey as he called for people’s participation in the exercise.
"Let anyone raise any objection, it (survey) has to be done. Court has said that the survey is voluntary and people can answer what they want and not bother if they don't want to answer any question," he said.