Caste census sparks of row

BENGALURU: Karnataka government’s first-ever caste census since the days of the British Raj has run into controversy even before it has begun.
The two dominant communities of the state –Vokkaligas and Lingayats -- are up in arms claiming that the caste census will reinforce hierarchy and breed more inequality especially among major communities. But chief minister Siddaramaiah is in no mood to relent and decided to go ahead with it from April.
The move has sparked fierce debate with some political and religious organizations planning to hold protest against it in March. Karnataka State Vokkaligara Sangha president Appaji gowda said, `` The caste census is an attempt to divide the society. By doing it, the government will only be encouraging more casteism. We are going to oppose it tooth and nail."
However, defenders of the move maintained it will provide up-to-date information about the size and needs of various groups that will be vital for providing grants and reservation in education and employment those at the bottom of the caste ladder.
Experts are also divided on the issue. ``Caste census is a welcome step in a diversified society like India. A study shows that as many 262 communities in Karnataka have no political representation so far. The census will identify such communities and help government frame effective policies and schemes to empower them,’’ said Prof. Harish Ramaswamy, a political scientist emphasizing its importance.
`` The caste census is not only about caste as it is being out to be. It will also look into the socio-economic data of all communities. Any good policies of state or central government will succeed only if there is a reliable data. I am sure the census will have far-reaching consequences on Karnataka’s growth in the years to come’’ S Japhet. Professor of Sociology, National Law School of India University, Bangalore
Mallesh, a farmer’s leader from Veerashaiva community said: ``Caste is an irrevocable and abhorrent feature of our society. Caste census will certainly give data on groups but I seriously doubt the political parties will use it for right purposes. The data will merely help the netas to understand their vote bank and plan accordingly. More over census data will open up a Pandora's Box and trigger off fresh demands for political representation, job quotas creating more unrest in the state’’.