In an exclusive conversation with South First, Hegde discussed the importance of the Socio-Economic and Educational survey report, its political and social implications, opposition from key communities, and Congress strategy to strengthen its position in Coastal Karnataka.
Published Oct 18, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 18, 2024 | 3:23 PM
Congress leader and Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes former chairman K Jayaprakash Hegde. (South First)
Amid rising anticipation in Karnataka’s political circles, the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government is set to unveil the much-talked-about Kantharaj Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report, widely regarded as the caste census.
Senior Congress leader K Jayaprakash Hegde, under whose chairmanship the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes submitted the survey report, has appealed to the government to not only accept the report but also hold a meaningful dialogue around its findings.
Hegde was elected thrice from the Brahmavar assembly segment between 1994 and 2008. The assembly segment is now abolished after the delimitation in 2008. He also served as the Minister for Ports and Fisheries in the JH Patel-led-Janata Dal government between 1996 and 1999.
He also represented the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru seat in the Lok Sabha between 2012-2014. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls too, Hegde contested unsuccessfully from the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru seat.
In an exclusive conversation with South First, Hegde discussed the importance of the Socio-Economic and Educational survey report, its political and social implications, opposition from key communities, and Congress strategy to strengthen its position in Coastal Karnataka. Edited excerpts:
Q. How significant is the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report for Karnataka’s future?
A. This report is crucial for two reasons: First, it addresses the issue of providing reservations for backward classes. We now have exact figures, and empirical data, which the court has also demanded.
Second, it will assist the government in identifying which families have received benefits, their social standing, and their financial condition.
Based on this information, government will be better equipped to extend support to those in need. This eliminates the necessity for officials to conduct door-to-door surveys every time. The report will be instrumental in helping government provide benefits to the poor and its citizens efficiently.
Q. Could you explain when and how this survey was carried out?
A: The survey was conducted when H Kantharaju was chairman of the Backward Classes Commission. A team of scientists and experts, including social scientists, guided how to carry out this socio-economic and educational survey. Based on their advice, we enlisted the help of district administration and local school teachers. They surveyed by going door-to-door.
A total of 54 questionnaires were prepared, one of which included a question on caste. The other questions focused on other aspects such as — the number of people in the family, their socioeconomic status, and their employment (government or private). This report contains comprehensive data on each individual. When compiled, it proved to be very helpful.
The Commission, under my leadership, submitted the report to the government on 29 February 2024.
Q. Several prominent pontiffs and leaders from the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities have raised objections, claiming that the survey was not conducted scientifically. What are your thoughts on these concerns?
A: Unless the report is made public, no one knows its contents. I urge those opposing this data and report to allow the government to release it to public. Once it is in public domain, if there are any parts that they believe should not be implemented, they can begin discussions with the government.
How can anyone claim it is unscientific without reviewing the report? Let the report be released first.
Q. Do you believe the survey results will have a substantial political or social impact in Karnataka?
A: I don’t think so. This report will primarily be used to provide reservations and certain benefits to the people. There won’t be any political impact based on the outcomes of this report.
I can’t clarify all the concerns raised by prominent communities opposing this report. Some pontiffs from various communities met with me, and I assured them that there won’t be any problems.
When LG Havanur submitted his report to the government, entire report wasn’t accepted. Similarly, they can suggest to the government which parts should be implemented and which should be left out.
Q. There have been demands for a resurvey. In your opinion, is this request justified, and is it feasible?
A: The same complaints might arise again. Even though teachers and officers conducting the survey may be different, the overall setup remains same. It’s not that Kantharaju himself went door-to-door to collect the data—it was the officials who did that.
As for people or seers claiming that officials didn’t visit their homes for the survey, I’ll give an example: If someone comes to my house asking for details, my family might provide the information, but I might not be there, and they may not inform me.
This could have happened in many households and apartments. In some cases, security in apartments may have prevented officials from entering. It’s possible that a few apartments in urban areas were missed, but in rural areas, they went door-to-door. There could be a difference of about 5 percent, which is normal. Even when census is conducted, there are some discrepancies, yet we are still relying on the 2011 census.
We should accept this report now and conduct another survey after 10 years, as is typically done. The government has spent ₹163 crore on this. I urge the government to accept the report, review the data, and implement what is beneficial for people. Rejecting the report outright is not fair. After reviewing it, the government can conduct another survey if necessary.
Q. You contested in 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Udupi-Chikkamagaluru but were unsuccessful. How would you reflect on this result?
The BJP is somewhat stronger in terms of organizational strength in Coastal and Malnad regions. Now, we need to focus on building our organization, and we have already started working on it.
I believed I had a chance, considering the work I’ve done as a minister, independent MLA, and member of parliament. People acknowledged and appreciated my efforts, but unfortunately, it didn’t translate into votes.
Q. Why has the Congress struggled to gain the trust of voters in Coastal Karnataka?
A: It might be due to the state of the party organization. We need to strengthen the party in the coastal region by going door-to-door and engaging with people. We should highlight issues that matter, such as land reforms.
Despite being the ones who lost land, we remain with Congress, while those who benefited from the land are now with BJP. We need to convince them of our perspective.
All major schemes were launched during Congress and Janata Dal regimes, not under any other party. When I was a minister in Janata Dal, we provided maximum benefits to fishermen and farmers.
Q. What is Congress party’s strategy to overcome the challenges and strengthen its presence in Coastal Karnataka?
A: Instead of sitting and discussing in the office, we need to go out into the field, go door-to-door, and engage with people. The high command has already initiated this.
I have been informing our team in Udupi and Mangaluru districts about steps we need to take, including how to convince people.
But as I have contested parliamentary elections, I have taken on this responsibility. It’s not just about contesting elections; building the organization is also my duty. Before Zilla Panchayat and Taluka Panchayat elections are announced, we need to strengthen the party.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
