Karnataka government to conduct fresh survey of women who were part of the Devadasi system

The survey is aimed at identifying Devadasi women who have not yet been brought under the ambit of welfare and rehabilitation programmes.

Published Aug 17, 2025 | 10:10 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 17, 2025 | 10:10 AM

A group of women in Karnataka. (iStock)

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Karnataka government will conduct a fresh survey of women who were part of the Devadasi system in Karnataka from the first week of September, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the community. The survey is aimed at identifying Devadasi women who have not yet been brought under the ambit of welfare and rehabilitation programmes.

The last such survey was conducted in the state in 2008. “The Devadasi system has been outlawed, yet if it still survives in any form, it is a matter of shame for all of us. The government will suitably amend the law against the Devadasi system. Those who push girls into this system will face strong punishment,” said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, at the state council meeting of the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan (SCSP-TSP) on Saturday, 16 August.