BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Sunday that his government will officially accept the caste census report in either November or December.
In a conversation with mediapersons, he confirmed that the report would be presented before the cabinet, followed by discussions to determine the subsequent steps. Siddaramaiah stated, "Now, he (Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes Chairman Jayaprakash Hegde) has indicated that he will submit the report in November or December, and we will indeed accept it."
He pointed out that during his prior term as Chief Minister, the then-chairman of the Commission, H Kantharaj, had conducted the survey, which three former Chief Ministers, namely H D Kumaraswamy, B S Yediyurappa, and Basavaraj Bommai, had declined to receive.
Additionally, Siddaramaiah asserted that it was his government that initially conducted the caste census in the country. "We, the Congress government, initiated the caste census to understand the socio-economic status of various castes, but subsequent governments did not acknowledge the report," remarked the Chief Minister.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that talent is not inherent to any specific caste or religion and that people's inherent qualities become evident only when they receive opportunities and education. "No one is born talented. It is only after they get an opportunity that they can showcase their talents," he elaborated.
(With agency inputs)
