Thu Mar 27 11:56:16 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka to Conduct Fresh Caste Survey for Internal Reservation

**Bengaluru, March 27, 2025** – The Karnataka government will undertake a new survey of the Scheduled Castes (SC) population within the next two months. This decision follows the submission of an interim report by the H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission, tasked with examining the long-standing demand for internal reservations within the SC community.

The survey aims to address inconsistencies in the nomenclature of various SC sub-groups, such as Adi Karnataka and Adi Dravida, used differently across the state. This confusion, stemming from pre-independence classifications, hinders accurate data collection for implementing internal reservations.

The Commission’s recommendations, accepted by the state cabinet, include using modern technology to complete the survey within 30-40 days and developing a standardized questionnaire. The commission’s tenure has been extended to oversee the survey.

While the government claims the survey will facilitate fair internal reservation, as mandated by a Supreme Court ruling, Dalit activist Basavaraj Kowthal expressed disappointment, arguing that existing data should suffice and that the survey is a delay tactic.

Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa stated that the survey, involving government machinery and teachers, will start immediately. He justified the new survey citing similar issues faced by other states resulting in legal challenges. The projected SC population has increased significantly since the last census in 2011, further emphasizing the need for updated data according to the minister. The government hopes to use the results to determine how to divide the existing 17% reservation quota among different SC sub-groups.

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