SCs survey: Door-to-door visits extended till May 25

Bengaluru: The state government announced on Friday that the ongoing door-to-door survey to obtain empirical data of Scheduled Castes (SCs), which was scheduled to conclude on May 17, will be extended till May 25. 

Extensions have also been provided for special camps and online self-declaration. The special camps, initially scheduled from May 19-21, will be held from May 26-28. The online self-declaration, that was scheduled from May 19-23, will be held from May 19-28.

“As of now, we have achieved a progress of 72% (73.72%). However, leaders and members of communities like Lambani and Banjara have written to us requesting an extension. DCs have also requested. As a result, we have extended the survey,” Justice H N Nagamohan Das, who heads the one-person commission to decide on internal reservation for SCs, told reporters.

Three hurdles

Justice Das articulated that there had been three hurdles in enumerating caste data precisely. “Firstly, several people don’t know their primary caste. Secondly, some castes haven’t been added to the list of 101 castes. Thirdly, some people know their primary caste but don’t acknowledge it.”

“Over the last 25-30 years, new layouts have been formed. Even in rural places, people without sites have got houses. As a result, though untouchability persists, a situation has been created where SCs and non-SCs live side by side. Thus, we visit all households.” However, Justice Das clarified that the non-SCs would not be asked extra questions.

Justice Das said the Union government had sought the survey’s methodology, adding that they had sent their answer.

“We have sought information on political representation from the Panchayat to Parliament. Wherever the information is incomplete, notices have been served.”

Justice Das said they would analyse the empirical data and follow the yardsticks set by the Supreme Court. “The final report will be submitted without further loss of time,” Justice Das noted.