The Congress Government in Karnataka has decided to conduct a caste census to identify socio-economic conditions of the entire population of the state.
The State Backward Classes Commission would soon take up the caste census, the first time since 1931, Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya told reporters here.
He said the government will put to use over 1,25,000 personnel, including enumerators and supervisors and added that Rs 117 crore had been alloted for the exercise.
The survey would enable the government to provide social justice to Backward Classes through implementation of welfare schemes meant for such community, Anjaneya said.
To a query, he said the recent Supreme Court Order would not be a hurdle for caste census.
"The Supreme Court has made it clear the Madras High Court had no jurisdiction to issue directions on deciding policy matters. The policy matters come under the jurisdiction of the Executive. The SC has not said anything in favour or against the caste-based census. The Apex Court has only said that it is the prerogative of the Executive to decide on such policy matters," the minister said.
Replying to another query, Anjaneya said the government is ready to provide reservation for Brahmins too if the census shows glaring backwardness in their community.
