Caste census survey was about alleviating backwardness of communities and not about numbers, says Hegde

Bengaluru: The state's socio-economic and educational survey, commonly called the caste census, was meant to measure backwardness of communities, but the report — yet to be officially released in public domain — has been pilloried by representatives of politically dominant Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities who claim their communities have been undercounted and that the survey was "unscientific".

However, Jayaprakash Hegde, former chairman of Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, who submitted the final report to the govt last year, defended the report, insisting that the figures are authentic and, in any case, the survey wasn't about numbers alone. Hegde spoke to TOI on the issue. Excerpts:

It appears everybody has an axe to grind against the survey report. Was such a reaction expected?

I don't know what they are aggrieved about. They should read the report first and then raise objections, if any. This survey is related to socio-economic and educational status, and it will provide solutions to alleviate backwardness of communities. As for the other part (population numbers), I cannot give an answer. Yes, we anticipated reactions, which is but natural when any decision is taken. All I can say to those who claim the report is unscientific is that they should tell us what is not scientific. Only then will we be able to answer their questions.

While calculating the percentage of dominant communities such as Lingayats, Vokkaligas and Muslims, was it taken on the overall percentage of Karnataka's population or just on OBC numbers?

It was based on the state's population.

Vokkaliga and Lingayat representatives allege that their numbers are low because many did not mention their main caste while listing their sub-caste. Do you agree with this explanation?

No. We have taken abundant precaution to bring them together; it's all in one list.

This report shows the SC-ST population remains at 24%, while numbers of other communities have either risen or fallen. How is this possible?

SC and ST people are spread across the state. But, for example, Vokkaligas' presence in North Karnataka is not as significant as in South Karnataka. Castes which are spread throughout the state have a majority. Moreover, there are parameters like family planning, migration that may have affected the numbers. The survey has not taken account of people outside Karnataka.

What methodology was used for the survey?

The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes prepared a 44-point questionnaire format which was given to teachers and govt employees. These enumerators were trained by officials under deputy commissioners in every district. They went door to door and collected data. We must bear in mind that there was no data on caste after the 1931 Census.

Was a fresh SC-ST survey done?

The Commission surveyed all castes, including SCs and STs. Govt amended the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1995, and gave permission to the Commission to survey all communities.

With the Centre announcing a national caste census, do you think the state report has lost relevance?

It will not lose relevance because there is a state list (OBCs) for reservation.

You have welcomed the central govt's decision to enumerate caste. What specific aspects would you like that census to focus on?

We conducted a socio-economic and educational survey as it is a challenge to provide reservation based solely on caste. Understanding social and economic conditions makes it easier to decide which category individuals belong to and allocate reservation. I'm pleased with the Centre's decision. I would request the Centre to include socio-economic and educational data also in its census.