May take up to a year to decide on caste census: Satish Jarkiholi

Bengaluru: Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Friday said that the government would need up to one year to deliberate on, and take a decision on the sensitive issue of caste census.

Acknowledging that the government would have to make a few compromises, Satish added, “There are many complex problems. The report has been submitted after ten years. We will have to hold several meetings so we can take everyone along.”

Satish, a prominent Dalit leader in the state, added that increasing reservation to 51% too was unlikely to happen anytime soon. Pointing out that the base figure of 5.98 crore people, who were surveyed for the caste census, could not be changed, Satish added, “But changes within the fixed parameters can be made. If a few sub-communities have registered elsewhere, they should be allowed to shift. For instance, there are two Sadar communities (one is under Lingayat). They should be allowed to move. But the overall number of people surveyed cannot be changed.”

Meeting with Muniyappa

Meanwhile, the meeting between Satish Jarkiholi and Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa, a prominent ‘Left’ SC leader, at the latter’s residence set off speculation within political circles.

However, dismissing reports that the meeting was political in nature, Muniyappa said, “In Bengaluru Rural district, work on several road projects has been initiated. The CM is coming to our constituency on April 28th, and I have requested him to sanction four to five more projects. He has agreed to approve a major project that will connect Devanahalli to Malur via Vemgal.”