Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 22: The census being undertaken by the State Backward Classes Commission is not a caste census but a socio-economic and educational survey, said Health and family welfare minister and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on Sunday, he clarified that caste census is conducted by the central government. The present survey is being conducted in a scientific manner and people need not have unnecessary confusion over it.
He said that differences of opinion are bound to arise in such exercises, but there is no ulterior motive behind this census. “The chief minister has no intention of dividing people on caste lines. Neither the Congress nor the government has any plan to create divisions. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has said that caste census will be conducted, why should the BJP object? If they want, let the BJP oppose it. But this survey by the state government is necessary and we fully support it,” he stated.
The minister explained that the government must identify who the truly backward sections are, who needs more help, and who should get benefits. For this, the Supreme Court demands precise data. That is the reason behind conducting this survey. However, some are trying to mix politics with it. “Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue is not related to the government. It is their personal matter. From the past, they have been claiming Veerashaiva-Lingayat as separate or not separate. The government will not interfere in this matter,” he said.
On the ongoing survey, he clarified that caste leaders suggesting what should be recorded under caste names is quite natural. But there are groups that want to create confusion and gain from it. “Many experts have contributed to preparing the framework for this survey. Comprehensive information will be collected by visiting every household,” he added.
He further said that there are reportedly less than one lac Hindu Christians in the state. “This should not be the case. Once converted, they belong to that religion. There is no point in separately categorizing them as Hindu caste or religion. I have also brought this issue to the notice of the Backward Classes Commission, and the commission has assured that it will take a proper decision. Hence, this is not a serious matter as the opposition claims that the government is creating everything,” he said.
The minister also pointed out that nearly 47 Hindu sub-castes have not been linked with Christianity by the Congress. “The list prepared earlier by the Backward Classes Commission was accepted by the BJP. When the BJP was in power, it handed over the Kantharaju Committee report to Jayaprakash Hegde, who was then the commission chairman. Later, Jayaprakash submitted the report, and based on that report, it was the BJP government that implemented reservations. Why did they not oppose then? Why are they opposing now? We too have maintained that there should be no confusion in the survey, and the commission has made all necessary preparations. This survey will not create any problems,” Dinesh Gundu Rao clarified.
Responding to a question about deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar’s sudden visit to Delhi, he said, “D K Shivakumar frequently goes to Delhi. He visits Delhi three to four times a week. There is nothing special in this.”