Caste census: Vokkaligara sangha welcomes re-survey, OBC federation criticises decision
A day after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced another socio-economic and educational survey (caste census) of Karnataka's population for the purpose of providing reservation to the backward classes, there were contrasting reactions from cate groups.
The Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha, at a press conference, welcomed the setting aside of the controversial 2015 survey report, while the Karnataka State Backward Classes Federation criticised the decision. Earlier, the All-India Veerashaiva Mahasabha had welcomed discarding the 2015 survey report and said it would extend cooperation if the government conducts a fresh one.
However, while welcoming the discarding of the old survey, Vokkaligara sangha president Kenchappa Gowda questioned the need for a new one. 'When the Union government has announced collecting caste data as part of the general census, what is the need for us to have another one? The new one has been announced for political compulsion,' he argued.
He said the sangha is considering holding a survey of the Vokkaliga community that would include the collection of information such as land holding, education, occupation, and income. 'The matter will be placed for discussion before a committee on June 18.'
However, general secretary of the federation Yennegere R. Venkataramaiah said it was a 'disappointing development' that the old survey report had been kept aside. 'This is a contradictory policy after announcing that it will be accepted. Dominant communities have always bulldozed the backward classes, and it has happened again,' he said, adding that the full survey report should be made public.
On the new survey to be conducted, Mr. Venkataramaiah said Aadhaar or ration card has to be linked to individuals to prevent anyone from casting aspersions on the survey. 'The government should appoint a high-powered committee, including leaders of communities and elected representatives, to monitor the survey that should be completed within the deadline,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru stampede: Two senior IAS officers under scanner over RCB felicitation mishandling
The Karnataka government is now scrutinising the involvement of two senior IAS officers in the organisation of a felicitation event for IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 4, which preceded a stampede that claimed 11 lives outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Indian Express reported. According to the report, the investigation includes a close look at miscommunications and decisions made by top officials, including the former political secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Indian Express report also reveals that these officers were instrumental in persuading the Congress-led state government to approve an official state felicitation at the Vidhana Soudha, even as the Bengaluru police had raised red flags over crowd control and security clearances. (Also Read: Bengaluru stampede: IPS body demand revocation of suspension of 5 cops) The felicitation, scheduled for 4 pm on June 4, was followed by a separate fan event organised by the RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) at the stadium, where the stampede occurred. DPAR secretary Sathyavathi G, who oversaw the Vidhana Soudha event after receiving approvals from the chief secretary and CM, had publicly stated that a victory parade would follow the felicitation. This was despite the absence of a police green light for such a parade. Video recordings from her media address on June 4 show her urging fans to skip the Vidhana Soudha event due to security sensitivities and instead attend the stadium celebration. However, the report also suggests that her public remarks contradicted a meeting held earlier that day, where the city police commissioner reportedly objected to the parade. Police have since filed criminal complaints against RCB, KSCA, and event manager DNA Networks, alleging that social media messages promoting an open-access parade were shared without police clearance as early as 7 am on June 4, contributing to crowd chaos at the stadium. The role of K Govindaraju, the CM's former political secretary and a seasoned sports administrator, is also under scrutiny. Reports say he was pivotal in pushing through approvals for the celebrations. Following the tragedy, he was dismissed from his post on June 6, the report further added. Three senior IPS officers, including Police Commissioner B Dayananda, were suspended on June 5 for failing to keep the CM informed of unfolding developments, including the fatalities.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
‘For every ₹1 we give, Karnataka gets only ₹0.15 back': Siddaramaiah seeks ₹1.15 lakh crore for Bengaluru
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday made a strong pitch before the 16th Finance Commission for a more equitable share of central taxes for the state and sought a ₹1.15 lakh crore investment over five years to bolster Bengaluru's infrastructure. In a detailed meeting with Commission Chairman Arvind Panagariya, the chief minister flagged the fiscal disparity Karnataka faces, stating that despite contributing nearly 8.7% to India's GDP with only 5% of the population, the state receives disproportionately low returns from the Centre. Also Read - Bengaluru climbs to 14th spot in Global Startup Ecosystem Rankings 2025 'For every rupee Karnataka contributes to union taxes, we receive just 15 paise in return,' Siddaramaiah said, calling the imbalance stark and deeply unjust. He added that the discussion with Panagariya was cordial, and the Commission appeared open to the state's demands. The chief minister also drew attention to the state's reduced share in central funds under the 15th Finance Commission. Karnataka's share in tax devolution dropped from 4.71% to 3.64%, leading to an estimated loss of over ₹80,000 crore during the award period. Moreover, Karnataka's per capita devolution fell from 95% to just 73% of the national average between the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions. In its formal submission, the state government called for a significant overhaul in the devolution formula. Karnataka urged the Commission to raise states' share of divisible taxes to at least 50%, cap cess and surcharges at 5%, and include the Centre's non-tax revenues in the divisible pool. Siddaramaiah stressed that states are currently excluded from revenue earned through central cess and surcharges. 'If cess and surcharges exceed 5%, they should be brought into the divisible pool so that states can benefit,' he said. Also Read - Bengaluru woman witnesses rare 'peaceful accident': 'No fights, just handshakes' To ensure a fairer distribution among states, Karnataka proposed a model in which each state retains about 60% of its contribution to central taxes, while the remaining 40% supports less-developed regions — striking a balance between equity and incentivising performance. The chief minister also criticised the current design of revenue deficit and state-specific grants. He cited Kerala's receipt of a ₹38,000 crore revenue deficit grant, while Karnataka received nothing under that head. He also questioned the denial of a ₹5,495 crore special grant recommended for Karnataka by the 15th Finance Commission but ultimately not sanctioned by the Union government. To correct these imbalances, the state has suggested recalibrating the weight of the income-distance criterion — currently favouring poorer states — by reducing it by 20%, and reallocating that weight to reflect each state's contribution to the national GDP. This, Siddaramaiah argued, would ensure that economically productive states like Karnataka are rewarded rather than penalised. He concluded by urging the Finance Commission to consider reforms that would make the devolution system more predictable, performance-based, and transparent — with a focus on both promoting national growth and addressing regional disparities.
Hans India
3 hours ago
- Hans India
Veerappa Moily writes cautionary letter to CM
Bengaluru: Senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily has written a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging swift and measured action in response to a tragic stampede that marred celebrations of RCB IPL-2025 victory. The letter blends praise for the Chief Minister's leadership with pointed recommendations and calls for steps to restore Bengaluru's reputation as a cricketing hub while addressing the incident's fallout. Moily begins by commending Siddaramaiah's tenure, crediting his visionary approach and focus on public welfare for the Congress party's rise to power. He also acknowledges the strategic contributions of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. However, the tone shifts to concern as Moily addresses the recent stampede, describing it as a shocking event that has rattled the government, Bengaluru's residents, and cricket fans worldwide. According to the letter, Bengaluru city is long celebrated for producing talented cricketers and hosting vibrant matches. But now, the city faces scrutiny at state, national, and international levels. Moily warns that the incident threatens to undo decades of goodwill and calls for careful administrative measures to prevent further damage. The senior leader notes that Siddaramaiah has already initiated inquiries, including probes by the District Collector, a retired High Court judge, and the CID, alongside disciplinary actions against officials. While these steps show responsiveness, Moily cautions against hasty or overly harsh measures, which could tarnish the government's reputation. Instead, he recommends a single, thorough investigation led by a retired judge to deliver a prompt report and restore confidence among the public and cricket fans. Moily emphasises the need for compassion, urging the Chief Minister to prioritise support for the victims' families and the injured, beyond mere financial compensation. Building trust among those affected is described as a key responsibility for the government, according to Veerappa Moily. Criticising the government's hasty announcement of compensation for victims, Moily stated, 'Providing compensation is not enough; showing compassion to the victims' relatives and the injured, and instilling confidence in them, should be a priority for the government.' He also addresses rumours of relocating future cricket matches, calling them 'unhealthy' and urging assurances to ensure Bengaluru remains a safe venue for sports events. Veerappa Moily suggested, 'Instead of multiple inquiries, a single investigation by a retired judge should be conducted promptly, and a report should be submitted to restore confidence among the public and cricket fans. Creating such a systematic and safe environment is an urgent task that your leadership must undertake swiftly.' In closing, Moily expresses confidence in Siddaramaiah's leadership to act swiftly, balancing the need for government stability with the creation of a safe environment for cricket enthusiasts. His message is clearly about decisive, thoughtful actions to restore Bengaluru's reputation and ensure such tragedies are not repeated. For the Karnataka government, Moily's letter serves as both a call to action and a reminder of the delicate balance between swift response and measured governance. With Bengaluru's cricketing legacy at stake, all eyes are on the Chief Minister to steer the state through this challenging moment.
