<p>Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is likely to order a comprehensive survey of Scheduled Castes in the state, akin to the Census, so as to decide on internal reservation. </p><p>This was discussed at a meeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired with Justice HN Nagmohan Das, who is heading a commission on sub-classification of SCs. </p><p>The government, under pressure from SC communities to implement internal reservation, needs empirical data. A survey is the only option to get data, it seems. </p>.Internal quota: Congress leaders prefer to wait for Centre's empirical data.<p>"It's not possible to decide on internal reservation without a comprehensive survey. It was decided that a survey would be done on war footing and completed within 60 days. Based on the survey's results, recommendations will be made on internal reservations," a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. </p><p>The meeting was attended by Social Welfare Minister Dr HC Mahadevappa, Home Minister G Parameshwara, Excise Minister RB Timmapur, Food & Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa, Backward Classes Welfare Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge -- all top Dalit ministers. </p><p>"To ensure a fair and just implementation, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive and scientifically backed survey that accurately represents all communities. This process must be meticulous, leaving no one behind, while also being legally robust to withstand any judicial scrutiny," Priyank said in a tweet after the meeting. </p><p>"Our goal is to create a data-driven, transparent and equitable framework that upholds social justice and withstands legal challenges," Priyank added. </p><p><strong>Interim report in a week</strong></p><p>Addressing a news conference, Parameshwara said Justice Das would submit an interim report within a week's time. “Based on that, our government will take decisive action in implementing the internal reservations,” he said, adding that the Congress is committed to implement internal reservation, which was a 2023 manifesto promise. </p><p>Mahadevappa said all government departments, except four, have submitted inputs to the Justice Das Commission. "Our decisions will have to be backed by scientifically-proven empirical data. We need to collect data first," he said, adding that the Supreme Court's verdict allowing states to sub-classify Dalits will have to be followed "in letter and spirit."</p>
<p>Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is likely to order a comprehensive survey of Scheduled Castes in the state, akin to the Census, so as to decide on internal reservation. </p><p>This was discussed at a meeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired with Justice HN Nagmohan Das, who is heading a commission on sub-classification of SCs. </p><p>The government, under pressure from SC communities to implement internal reservation, needs empirical data. A survey is the only option to get data, it seems. </p>.Internal quota: Congress leaders prefer to wait for Centre's empirical data.<p>"It's not possible to decide on internal reservation without a comprehensive survey. It was decided that a survey would be done on war footing and completed within 60 days. Based on the survey's results, recommendations will be made on internal reservations," a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. </p><p>The meeting was attended by Social Welfare Minister Dr HC Mahadevappa, Home Minister G Parameshwara, Excise Minister RB Timmapur, Food & Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa, Backward Classes Welfare Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge -- all top Dalit ministers. </p><p>"To ensure a fair and just implementation, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive and scientifically backed survey that accurately represents all communities. This process must be meticulous, leaving no one behind, while also being legally robust to withstand any judicial scrutiny," Priyank said in a tweet after the meeting. </p><p>"Our goal is to create a data-driven, transparent and equitable framework that upholds social justice and withstands legal challenges," Priyank added. </p><p><strong>Interim report in a week</strong></p><p>Addressing a news conference, Parameshwara said Justice Das would submit an interim report within a week's time. “Based on that, our government will take decisive action in implementing the internal reservations,” he said, adding that the Congress is committed to implement internal reservation, which was a 2023 manifesto promise. </p><p>Mahadevappa said all government departments, except four, have submitted inputs to the Justice Das Commission. "Our decisions will have to be backed by scientifically-proven empirical data. We need to collect data first," he said, adding that the Supreme Court's verdict allowing states to sub-classify Dalits will have to be followed "in letter and spirit."</p>