Karnataka caste survey: No extension, says CM Siddaramaiah, asks officials to buck up

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday ruled out any extension for the ongoing Social & Educational Survey, which he said would end on October 7 as scheduled, and directed officials to make sure the exercise picks up pace.

After chairing a meeting to review the survey, Siddaramaiah conceded that the exercise was tardy from the day it started on September 22 till Thursday due to technical issues. The survey has covered 2.76 lakh out of 1.43 crore families, he pointed out.

"There were technical issues, which have been resolved. From Friday, the survey work will be brisk and it will happen as per our expectations," Siddaramaiah said. 

"Because the survey did not happen properly in the first four days (September 22-25), it must be made up in the remaining period. There is no question of any extension. The ongoing work will be expedited," Siddaramaiah said.

The government has asked enumerators and supervisors to achieve 10% progress daily against the current 2-4%. 

Deputy commissioners and zilla panchayat chief executive officers must hold meetings everyday to review the survey. "If there are issues, they must be attended to immediately," Siddaramaiah said.

"The regional commissioners must supervise the exercise. Secretaries in charge of districts and officers in charge of taluks must involve themselves. Strict instructions have been given," he said. 

Remuneration

On Friday, the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, which is carrying out the survey, ordered the release of Rs 60.36 crore as remuneration for enumerators. A total of 1.20 lakh enumerators will get an honorarium of Rs 5,000 each. On top of this, they will get Rs 100 for every household surveyed. 

"None should have doubts about remuneration. We have already released the money," Siddaramaiah said. "There is no resistance among enumerators. Those who resist and don't cooperate will face legal action," he added. 

In remote, hilly regions, the government will set up survey centres in nearby schools where residents can get themselves enumerated, Siddaramaiah said. "In homes that are found locked, enumerator will leave behind a sticker informing residents that they will be visited again," he said, adding that citizens can participate in the survey online, too.

In remote hilly regions the government will set up survey centres in nearby schools where residents can get themselves enumerated Siddaramaiah said. "In homes that are found locked enumerator will leave behind a sticker informing residents that they will be visited again" he said adding that citizens can participate in the survey online too.