Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 19: Bunts and Nadavas have been one community since ancient times. Even British-era records confirm this. However, later they were separated into different categories. Despite repeatedly bringing this matter to the attention of successive governments, the demand to club Bunts and Nadavas under one category has not yet been fulfilled.

Recently, the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, in a press release, announced that a socio-educational survey of the state’s population would be conducted. According to information available, the report submitted by the Commission under the leadership of Kantharaj mentions that the population of Bunts/Nadavas is 3.15 lac. However, in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and other districts of the state, the Bunt community population is estimated to be more than 20 lac. Since the report prepared by the Kantharaj-led commission is unscientific and outdated, it should not be presented or considered valid, stated K Ajit Kumar Rai Maladi, president of the Bunts alias Nadavas Association.

Speaking at a press conference held at Bunt Bhavan, he said, “More than 40 percent of the Bunt-Nadava community lives below the poverty line. Due to social, educational, and economic reasons, around 20 lac members of our community are spread across the country and abroad. However, their roots and inseparable connections are with Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod districts. To clearly understand our community’s total population and for a comprehensive study, we have launched a survey under the name ‘Bandhavya’ to collect information on the economic, social, educational, and other aspects of Bunts/Nadavas worldwide, to create a global Bunt database.

We appeal to community members to participate in this important information collection drive and contribute towards building a prosperous society.”

He added, “Bunts and Nadavas are one and the same community. When our elders established an association in 1908, even at a time when there were no reservations, they named it the Bunts alias Nadavas Association. Historical records for hundreds of years prove that Bunts and Nadavas are one community. But in the list released by the Backward Classes Commission, Bunts and Nadavas have been shown as two separate castes. On September 17, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Speaker U T Khader in the presence of the Deputy commissioner, the secretary of the Backward Classes Commission, and senior officials to provide information about the survey.

During this meeting, Bunt-Nadava community members received guidance on how to provide details to surveyors. Based on that guidance, we request our community members to give the following information when survey officials visit homes:

• In Column 8 (Religion) of the mobile app, mention ‘Hindu’.
• In Column 9 (Caste), enter the code (A-0227) as ‘BUNT’.
• In Column 11 (Synonym/Alternative Name), enter the code (A-1026) as ‘NADAVA’.

Similarly, those who mention ‘NADAVA’ with the code (A-1026) in Column 9 should write ‘BUNT’ with the code (A-0227) in Column 11. By registering in this manner, our community will be able to secure the rightful benefits due to it,” he appealed.

Vice president Kavu A Hemanath Shetty, General secretary K M Shetty, treasurer CA Ram Mohan Rai, joint secretary Sanjeeva Shetty Sampigedi, and others were present at the press conference.