Karnataka has embarked on a historic and ambitious exercise to collect empirical data on its Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, aiming to lay the foundation for a new era of internal reservation and social justice. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the survey, which began on May 5, 2025, will be conducted in three distinct phases, combining door-to-door enumeration, special camps, and online self-declarations. The initiative is already making headlines across India, as it promises not only to reshape the state’s reservation policy but also to set a precedent for other states grappling with the complexities of caste-based affirmative action.
The Karnataka SC survey represents not only a data collection exercise but also a significant administrative challenge. Coordinating over 60,000 enumerators across diverse geographic and socio-economic landscapes requires meticulous planning and robust infrastructure. The government has invested heavily in training programs to equip enumerators with the skills needed to handle sensitive caste-related questions with empathy and accuracy. Moreover, the use of technology has been a game-changer, enabling real-time monitoring and quick resolution of issues on the ground. This level of operational complexity underscores the state’s commitment to conducting a credible and comprehensive survey that can stand up to scrutiny.
First Phase: Door-to-Door Enumeration Across Karnataka
The first phase, running from May 5 to May 17, involves a massive door-to-door survey targeting all 101 sub-castes listed under the Scheduled Castes category. More than 60,000 enumerators-primarily school teachers and anganwadi workers-have been deployed, each assigned to visit around 130 households. These field staff are equipped with a custom-built mobile application that records detailed information on caste, sub-caste, education, occupation, and employment status.
The mobile app is designed to function only between 6 am and 6 pm, automatically locking after hours to protect data integrity. Data is uploaded in real time to a centralized, secure server, and approximately 6,000 Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) are supervising the process, randomly inspecting households to verify the accuracy and authenticity of the data collection.
This unprecedented exercise is being led by a commission chaired by retired High Court judge Justice H N Nagamohan Das. The commission is tasked with submitting its report within 60 days, after which the state cabinet will review the findings and make decisions on the internal reservation matrix for SCs. The survey’s scope is comprehensive, covering not just demographic details but also the social, economic, political, educational, and employment status of each sub-caste.
One of the critical aspects of the survey is its potential to uncover intra-caste disparities that have long been masked by aggregate data. While the Scheduled Castes as a whole benefit from reservation policies, many sub-castes remain marginalized due to historical, social, and economic factors. The survey aims to identify these disparities by collecting nuanced data on education levels, employment status, land ownership, and access to government schemes. Such granular insights will enable policymakers to design targeted interventions that address the specific needs of the most disadvantaged groups within the SC community, thereby promoting a more equitable distribution of resources.
Second Phase: Special Camps for Missed Households
Recognizing that some households may be missed during the initial door-to-door visits, the second phase will take place from May 19 to May 21. Special camps will be organized across Karnataka to ensure that everyone who was not covered in the first phase has an opportunity to participate. These camps are designed to be easily accessible, and the government is urging all SC community members to attend if they were not reached at home. This inclusive approach aims to maximize coverage and ensure that the data collected is as accurate and representative as possible.
The survey’s emphasis on inclusivity extends beyond mere data collection; it also seeks to empower the SC communities through awareness and participation. Various outreach programs have been launched to educate citizens about the importance of the survey and how it can influence policy decisions that affect their lives. Community leaders, NGOs, and social activists have been engaged to foster trust and encourage cooperation. This participatory approach not only enhances the quality of data but also strengthens democratic engagement by giving marginalized groups a voice in shaping their own futures.
Third Phase: Online Self-Declaration for the Digital Generation
The third and final phase, running from May 19 to May 23, leverages technology to reach those who may be residing outside their hometowns or are otherwise unable to attend the camps. Individuals can self-identify and register their sub-caste status through an online portal or mobile app, a move that is expected to particularly benefit students, migrant workers, and professionals living away from their native places. This digital-first approach reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity and modernization, ensuring that no eligible person is left out of the survey.
However, the survey is not without its critics and challenges. Some political factions have expressed concerns that the data could be manipulated for electoral gains or to favor certain sub-castes over others. There are also fears that the process might deepen caste divisions rather than promote unity. To mitigate these risks, the government has emphasized transparency and accountability, including provisions for grievance redressal and independent audits of the survey process. The involvement of a retired High Court judge as commission chairperson is intended to lend credibility and impartiality to the exercise.
Why This Survey Matters: Social Justice, Data-Driven Policy, and Internal Reservation
The primary objective of this massive data-gathering exercise is to provide a scientific and up-to-date basis for internal reservation among Karnataka’s SC communities. The state has 101 recognized sub-castes under the SC category, and there has long been a demand from the most-backward groups within the SC community for a rational internal quota. Many of these sub-groups feel left behind in access to education, government jobs, and professional opportunities, despite decades of reservation policies.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has emphasized that the survey is not just about numbers, but about ensuring fairness and equity. The data will help the government identify which sub-castes have benefited from reservations and which remain marginalized, enabling a more targeted and just distribution of opportunities. The move follows the Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment allowing states to create sub-classifications within the SC reservation, and echoes similar efforts in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Looking ahead, the Karnataka SC survey could serve as a blueprint for other states grappling with the complexities of caste-based reservations. Its success or failure will likely influence national debates on affirmative action and social justice. If the survey leads to more equitable internal reservation policies and improved socio-economic outcomes for marginalized SC sub-castes, it could inspire similar initiatives across India. Conversely, any shortcomings or controversies could prompt calls for alternative approaches to addressing caste inequalities. In either case, Karnataka’s bold experiment marks a pivotal moment in India’s ongoing quest for social equity.
Survey Technology, Security, and Oversight
A key innovation in the survey is the use of a secure, custom-built mobile application. This app, developed by the state’s e-governance department, is designed to prevent tampering and ensure data privacy. It is operational only during specified hours, and data is uploaded in real time to a centralized server. Supervisors and Panchayat Development Officers conduct random checks to verify that enumerators are visiting households and recording information accurately.
The government has also prepared a detailed manual to guide enumerators and supervisors, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and confidentiality. Public awareness campaigns are underway, urging all SC community members to participate and provide truthful information, and all organizations and institutions are being asked to cooperate fully.
Political and Social Reactions: Support, Skepticism, and Debate
The survey has been welcomed by many within the SC community, especially those who have long advocated for internal reservation. Leaders from marginalized sub-castes hope that the data will finally bring recognition and targeted support to groups that have historically been left behind. However, the exercise has also sparked political debate and some skepticism. Critics warn that the process could become politicized, especially given the ongoing debates over the broader caste census and the recent tensions following the release of earlier caste data in Karnataka.
There are also concerns about the accuracy of self-reported data and the potential for disputes over sub-caste identification. The government, however, maintains that the rigorous three-phase process, combined with technological safeguards and supervisory oversight, will ensure the integrity of the results.
Wider Implications: A Model for Other States?
Karnataka’s SC survey is being closely watched by policymakers and social justice advocates across India. With the Supreme Court now permitting states to create sub-classifications within the SC category, other states may follow Karnataka’s example if the exercise proves successful. The outcome could influence the future of reservation policy nationwide, especially as demands for data-driven, evidence-based affirmative action grow louder.
What Happens Next: Timeline and Next Steps
Once the three phases of the survey are complete, Justice Nagamohan Das and his commission will have 60 days to analyze the data and submit a comprehensive report to the state cabinet. The report will include recommendations on how to structure internal reservations to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all SC sub-castes. The cabinet will then decide on the final policy, which could be implemented as early as late 2025.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged all eligible citizens to participate actively, stressing that the success of the initiative depends on community cooperation and accurate information. “If you are not available during the door-to-door enumeration, please ensure your participation either at the special camps or through the online platform,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to social justice and inclusion.
Karnataka’s three-phase SC survey marks a bold and potentially transformative step toward data-driven social justice. As the state mobilizes tens of thousands of enumerators and leverages technology to ensure no one is left behind, the eyes of the nation are on whether this ambitious initiative will deliver on its promise of equity, inclusion, and a fairer future for all Scheduled Caste communities.
Follow: Karnataka Government Website
