Karnataka will undertake a fresh caste census, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stating that the exercise will cost Rs 420 crore. He added that the survey will be carried out “scientifically,” guided by a 60-question questionnaire prepared for the purpose. The announcement signals a structured, data-driven approach to the exercise, with the stated emphasis on methodology and standardised inquiry framing the government’s plans for implementation.
Structured survey with a “scientific” approach
The government has underscored that the survey will be conducted “scientifically,” indicating a focus on procedure, consistency and verifiability across stages of data collection. By adopting a 60-question questionnaire, the exercise seeks to establish a uniform template for responses, reducing ambiguity and enabling comparability across demographic segments. Such framing typically aims to improve the reliability of outcomes and minimise subjectivity during fieldwork. The emphasis on a systematic approach suggests that planning will prioritise clarity in definitions, training for on-ground teams, and the use of standard operating procedures. A structured design can also help streamline supervision and checks, aiding consolidation and review as the exercise moves from enumeration to compilation and analysis.
Questionnaire designed to capture key indicators
The 60-question questionnaire will be central to how the census captures information. The form’s breadth is intended to guide enumerators and respondents through a consistent set of queries, shaping the scope of the dataset that emerges. Careful articulation of questions is critical to ensure that responses are precise and comparable across regions and communities. The development of such a questionnaire usually requires attention to wording, sequencing and definitions, so that respondents are able to understand and answer without ambiguity. With a fixed set of questions, the process can better enforce uniformity and reduce interpretation gaps, while enabling systematic aggregation at later stages. The approach, coupled with the stated commitment to a “scientific” process, points to a plan anchored in standardisation and clarity of purpose.
Financial outlay and administrative readiness
The Chief Minister has pegged the cost of the fresh caste census at Rs 420 crore, signalling a substantial administrative commitment to the exercise. An outlay at this scale typically encompasses planning, training, field operations, processing and audit mechanisms. Budgeting at the outset can help departments align procurement, staffing and scheduling with well-defined milestones. It also allows for contingency provisions that are often necessary for large, state-wide efforts. A clear cost estimate provides a framework for monitoring expenditure against deliverables, supporting transparency and accountability during execution. The combination of a fixed budget and a “scientifically” grounded design indicates that the administration intends to anchor the exercise in measurable processes, with oversight built around the questionnaire, field protocols and subsequent validation.
Governance objectives and public participation
Positioning the survey as “scientific” sets expectations for rigour and fairness, while the 60-question format signals a comprehensive approach to inquiry. Public cooperation will be important to ensure accuracy and completeness, as respondents’ clarity and responsiveness directly affect data quality. Administrative communications, accessibility of forms and well-briefed enumerators can support trust and participation. Clear guidance on confidentiality, purpose and use of the collected information also helps address concerns and encourages engagement. The delineated cost of Rs 420 crore and the focus on methodology together suggest that the state aims to balance scale with discipline, building a process that is auditable and purpose-driven from the questionnaire stage through to compilation and review.