Caste census to begin in last week of Dec

Nearly 1.26 lakh enumerators to be deployed, including Asha, anganwadi workers

The two-month caste census will begin in December last week, Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya said on Wednesday.

Following video conferencing with all Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Zilla Panchayat CEOs and City Corporation Commissioners, Anjaneya said that the government will release the time table for the census after a final round of meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.  
Anjaneya said that the preparations for the caste census have already begun and close to 1.26 lakh enumerators will be deployed for the purpose.

“We have created 1.26 lakh blocks for the census, with each block getting one enumerator,” said Anjaneya. Rs 5,500 honorarium

He said that the government will pay every enumerator Rs 5,500 as honorarium. They will include Asha workers, anganwadi workers and retired staff from various government departments.

Anjaneya categorically ruled out the deployment of teachers for caste census.
The minister said that the Backward Classes Commission will prepare the caste census questionnaire based on software provided by Bharath Electronics Limited and the same will be provided to the enumerators.

The minister said that the government will spend Rs 117 crore for the entire exercise, with Rs 35 crore being already released to the Commission.

‘No legal hurdles’
On whether the Supreme Court directive to not conduct caste census could create legal hurdles for the exercise, Backward Classes Commission chairman H Kantharaju said that the apex court had only stated that the judiciary can pass directives over conducting such census.

“The SC had given its directives on not conducting caste census, based on what the Madras High Court had suggested. The SC had said in its directions that the judiciary cannot interfere in matters which pertain to administration,” said Kantharaju.   

Awareness programme
Meanwhile, Anjaneya said that the government will rope-in cine stars and sports personalities to create awareness about the caste census.