Bangalore : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made an announcement on Sunday regarding the much-anticipated caste census report. He revealed that the Congress government is set to receive the comprehensive caste census report, highlighting the historical significance of this effort.
“Our government was the first to conduct a caste census in the entire country. I had initiated the caste census with the aim of understanding the social and economic status of each caste. Subsequently, successive governments did not acknowledge the census report. However, Jayaprakash Hegde, Chairman of the Commission for Backward Classes, will be presenting the report on the caste census, and we are committed to receiving it,” stated the Chief Minister.
Siddaramaiah also emphasized the importance of education transcending caste and religion during his address at the Prerana Samarabha event organized by the Kalidasa Health and Education Trust and Ahilya Foundation. He said, “Talent knows no boundaries of caste or religion. If we provide equal educational opportunities to everyone, talent will undoubtedly emerge. Thus, education plays a pivotal role in fostering responsible citizens with self-respect.” The Chief Minister called for a collective commitment to promoting education, asserting that “every individual should be educated.”
Highlighting the historical context, Siddaramaiah mentioned that education was historically denied to the Shudra communities and even upper-caste girls before Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s efforts to grant educational rights. “We must grasp this historical perspective,” he emphasized.
In addition, the Chief Minister proposed a pragmatic approach to addressing healthcare and educational needs. He argued against the establishment of community-run medical colleges, citing the high costs and the inability to provide free seats to underprivileged rural students. Instead, he suggested the establishment of paramedical colleges, hostels, and ITIs by the community to support impoverished rural children.
Siddaramaiah also shared a personal anecdote from his B.Sc. days, where he would cook dinner in his room due to financial constraints. Drawing attention to the challenges faced by many students, he introduced the Vidyasiri program to provide support.
Furthermore, in response to changing demographics, the Chief Minister announced the government’s intention to amend rules to fill vacant rural doctor positions, addressing the current surplus of doctors relative to available posts in rural areas.
Several dignitaries, including Urban Development Minister Bairathi Suresh, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Govindaraju, former corporator B.N Nitish Purushottam, and other esteemed guests, were in attendance at the event.
