Sat Nov 01 14:30:44 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Social and Educational Survey-2025 in Karnataka, India, concluded with over 400,000 people abstaining. The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes will use secondary data to analyze the employment, education, and economic conditions of those who boycotted. The commission chairman, Madhusudan Naik, defended the survey, arguing that it’s crucial for understanding the needs of the poor across all communities and for the government to create appropriate schemes. Non-participation was particularly high among the Brahmin community following a court directive and statements against the survey from prominent figures. The commission criticized community leaders for misleading households and not considering the interests of the poor within their communities. Despite challenges, most of the targeted households were surveyed.

News Article:

Karnataka Survey Concludes Amid Boycott, Commission to Utilize Secondary Data

Bengaluru, India – November 1, 2025: The Social and Educational Survey-2025 in Karnataka concluded Friday with significant non-participation, raising concerns about data completeness. Over 422,000 households abstained from the survey, prompting the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes to announce it will supplement missing data with available secondary sources.

Commission Chairman Madhusudan Naik emphasized the importance of the survey for understanding the needs of marginalized communities. “Without data, how can we advise the government or expect them to create effective schemes for the poor in all communities?” he stated.

While the door-to-door survey has ended, the commission is offering an online participation window until November 10th.

The survey faced headwinds, particularly after the Karnataka High Court instructed that the data be kept secure and participation be voluntary. Statements from prominent figures like Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and MP Tejasvi Surya fueled opposition, with widespread WhatsApp messages urging non-participation. The boycott appeared particularly strong among the Brahmin community.

Naik criticized community leaders for discouraging participation, stating, “Many households were misled by so-called leaders…They do not seem to have concern for the poorer classes in their own community.”

Despite the challenges, the survey reached approximately 6.13 crore of the state’s 6.85 crore population. The commission remains optimistic that utilizing secondary data will provide a comprehensive picture of the state’s social and educational landscape.

Read More