CM Siddaramaiah says caste census recommendations to be implemented soon

NT Correspondent Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday announced that his government will soon implement the recommendations of the controversial socio-economic survey also known as caste census after tabling it in the cabinet meeting. Speaking after inaugurating the alumni association of old students studying in BCM hostels in the city, Siddaramaiah said his government has already received this report. Karnataka was the first to conduct this census in the country to study socio-economic and educational progress of all castes after the 1930 national caste census. The intention of the survey is to identify castes deprived of jobs and study their socio-economic backwardness.

This survey would help his government to extend benefits to deprived communities and castes which remain backward, he said adding that conducting a nationwide caste census is one of its Congress party's main priorities. The Constitution of India guarantees equal rights and opportunities to all citizens including dalits, backward classes and minorities, said the CM and added that his government is making all efforts to sensitize people about their rights and responsibilities. He said people with vested interests and a feudal mindset are still promoting casteism and preventing the dalits, other backward classes and minorities from joining the mainstream of society. With those who studied in BCM hostels now in the highest decision making bodies and institutions of the government, Siddaramaiah asked them to contribute their mite to empowering people who still remain backward. His government is also implementing the poll guarantee schemes aimed at ensuring poor families lead a dignified life, the CM said.

Recalling the contributions of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar who introducing reservation for the poor in the education system, Siddaramaiah said currently, as many as 1,87,000 students are studying in BCM hostels across the state. He recalled that he had stayed in a rented room during his student days as there were no hostels for backward classes, but his government is now distributing Rs 1750 per student under the Vidyasiri scheme for those denied hostel facility. This scholarship will be increased every year, he said. The CM also disclosed that his government has decided to open another 20 residential schools this year in addition to the existing 822 residential schools including those named after Moraraji Desai and Kittur Rani Chennamma, to promote the education of poor students. His government has also taken measures to provide eggs six days a week to government school students studying from class 1 to 10 and implement the Anna Bhagya scheme to increase their nutrition levels, the CM added.