The extension of Karnataka’s Social and Educational Survey has intensified political debate in the state, with opposition leaders accusing the Congress government of poor planning and disruption of education. BJP leaders argue that keeping government schools closed for nearly a month has put students at a significant disadvantage, especially when private and aided schools continue normal operations. They also criticized the survey as a misuse of public funds, alleging that it serves political or bureaucratic interests rather than genuine administrative needs.
State authorities, however, maintain that the extension was necessary to ensure comprehensive coverage. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah explained that while some districts had nearly completed the survey, others lagged behind, making it impractical to adhere to the original schedule. The Education Department, in coordination with the Permanent Backward Classes Commission, said the extension allows personnel—including 1.2 lakh teachers and 40,000 staff—to complete the process without compromising data quality.
Union Minister V Somanna echoed the BJP’s critique, describing the survey as “unscientific” and plagued by technical errors. Critics have suggested that conducting the exercise during summer vacation could have avoided disruption to schooling and minimized logistical challenges, while also ensuring a smoother and more cost-effective process.
In response, Siddaramaiah defended the survey, pointing out the perceived hypocrisy of opposition leaders who had previously supported similar caste surveys in other states. He emphasized that the exercise, managed by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, aims to collect reliable data on 1.43 crore households at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore—a move intended to inform policy and welfare measures rather than political point-scoring.
The controversy underscores the sensitive nature of caste-based data collection in India, where survey exercises can quickly become politicized. With government schools now scheduled to reopen after Diwali, authorities face the dual challenge of completing the survey efficiently while managing public perception and criticism from political rivals.
