<p>Karnataka is currently undertaking a landmark exercise that could significantly reshape the contours of social justice – the enumeration of sub-castes within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) community. This follows a Supreme Court ruling affirming that SCs are not a homogeneous group, enabling states to create internal quotas within the existing 18 per cent reservation, based on empirical evidence. </p><p>This aims to ensure that the benefits of affirmative action reach the most marginalised sub-groups. This is more than a routine headcount. It seeks to identify disparities among SC sub-groups, some of whom remain at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder despite decades of reservation policy. </p><p>By gathering this data, Karnataka seeks to address long-standing internal inequalities and improve representation in education, employment, and public life, for the most disadvantaged sub-castes. Telangana has already implemented such a sub-classification, setting the precedent for other states.</p>.<p>However, the process is facing challenges, especially in Bengaluru. While 83 per cent of the SC households across the state have been covered, the response in the capital has been tepid. Hesitancy to disclose caste or sub-caste reflects a deeper, more troubling truth: caste-based stigma persists, even 75 years after independence. </p><p>Many fear discrimination if their identities are revealed, especially in urban areas. Worse, gated communities and apartment blocks often deny entry to enumerators, undermining the exercise. The government must act decisively against such barriers, including prosecuting resident welfare associations, to ensure compliance. </p><p>Operational challenges further threaten the success of the census. Poor coordination with BBMP, weak awareness among the public, and errors in voter lists have created confusion. Although a digital option exists, many are unaware of it. These issues must be urgently addressed.</p>.<p>The deadline has been extended to May 25, but the state cannot afford this historic opportunity to make social justice a reality for the most deprived sections slip away due to logistical lapses. For decades, the same marginalised groups have been left behind and this exercise can rectify that. </p><p>The government must deploy more teams and launch an aggressive outreach campaign using traditional and digital media. Community leaders and civil society must also step in to raise awareness and encourage participation.</p><p> Ultimately, the SC community must recognise that this census is for their empowerment, and non-participation risks perpetuating their exclusion. Reluctance now could mean continued under-representation in the future. Participation here is not just a civic duty – it is a crucial investment in a more equitable society.</p>
<p>Karnataka is currently undertaking a landmark exercise that could significantly reshape the contours of social justice – the enumeration of sub-castes within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) community. This follows a Supreme Court ruling affirming that SCs are not a homogeneous group, enabling states to create internal quotas within the existing 18 per cent reservation, based on empirical evidence. </p><p>This aims to ensure that the benefits of affirmative action reach the most marginalised sub-groups. This is more than a routine headcount. It seeks to identify disparities among SC sub-groups, some of whom remain at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder despite decades of reservation policy. </p><p>By gathering this data, Karnataka seeks to address long-standing internal inequalities and improve representation in education, employment, and public life, for the most disadvantaged sub-castes. Telangana has already implemented such a sub-classification, setting the precedent for other states.</p>.<p>However, the process is facing challenges, especially in Bengaluru. While 83 per cent of the SC households across the state have been covered, the response in the capital has been tepid. Hesitancy to disclose caste or sub-caste reflects a deeper, more troubling truth: caste-based stigma persists, even 75 years after independence. </p><p>Many fear discrimination if their identities are revealed, especially in urban areas. Worse, gated communities and apartment blocks often deny entry to enumerators, undermining the exercise. The government must act decisively against such barriers, including prosecuting resident welfare associations, to ensure compliance. </p><p>Operational challenges further threaten the success of the census. Poor coordination with BBMP, weak awareness among the public, and errors in voter lists have created confusion. Although a digital option exists, many are unaware of it. These issues must be urgently addressed.</p>.<p>The deadline has been extended to May 25, but the state cannot afford this historic opportunity to make social justice a reality for the most deprived sections slip away due to logistical lapses. For decades, the same marginalised groups have been left behind and this exercise can rectify that. </p><p>The government must deploy more teams and launch an aggressive outreach campaign using traditional and digital media. Community leaders and civil society must also step in to raise awareness and encourage participation.</p><p> Ultimately, the SC community must recognise that this census is for their empowerment, and non-participation risks perpetuating their exclusion. Reluctance now could mean continued under-representation in the future. Participation here is not just a civic duty – it is a crucial investment in a more equitable society.</p>
