Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken a strong stance against Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murthy for choosing not to participate in Karnataka’s ongoing Social and Educational Survey. The survey, which aims to collect detailed information on the state’s demographic and socio-economic composition, has been a key initiative of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government to inform welfare schemes, affirmative action policies, and developmental planning.
The Murthys had reportedly declined to participate, citing that they do not belong to any backward community. In response, Siddaramaiah questioned their rationale and their understanding of the survey’s purpose. “Just because they are associated with Infosys, do they know it all?” the Chief Minister said during a press conference. He emphasized that the caste survey is inclusive and applies to all residents, not only backward classes or marginalized groups. Siddaramaiah added, “Should Infosys mean ‘Brihaspati’ (the intelligent one) in their case? Knowledge alone does not exempt anyone from civic participation.”
Purpose and scope of the caste survey
The Social and Educational Survey is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Karnataka’s population, including caste, socio-economic status, education levels, and employment conditions. The data collected is intended to guide government policymaking, particularly in the areas of welfare distribution, reservations, and developmental planning.
Siddaramaiah stressed that the survey is not limited to any single community or group, and declining participation undermines the inclusivity of the exercise. “This is a government initiative for the welfare of the people, irrespective of their caste, religion, or social standing,” he said. He argued that data collection is crucial for ensuring equitable access to schemes such as Shakti Scheme for women, financial assistance programs, and education and employment initiatives.
Reaction to the Murthys’ decision
The decision by Narayana and Sudha Murthy to abstain from the survey has sparked a debate in Karnataka’s political and social spheres. Critics have interpreted their refusal as a lack of understanding of the survey’s objective, while supporters of the Murthys argue that participation is voluntary and that personal choice should be respected.
Siddaramaiah, however, maintained that participation from all citizens, regardless of social or economic standing, strengthens the survey’s credibility and accuracy. “Even those who consider themselves socially privileged must contribute to building a reliable dataset,” he said. He highlighted that the survey is essential for allocating resources fairly and identifying communities that may require additional government support.
Political and social implications
The remarks by Siddaramaiah come at a time when caste politics remain a significant factor in Karnataka. The government has faced both support and criticism for conducting the survey. Proponents argue that such data is necessary to ensure fair representation and targeted welfare, while opponents question the timing, methodology, and motives behind the survey.
By publicly criticizing high-profile figures like the Murthys, Siddaramaiah appears to reinforce the message that civic responsibility transcends social status, emphasizing that even influential citizens must engage in initiatives designed to improve governance and societal equity. His comments also highlight the political dimension of the survey, which aims to consolidate Congress’ commitment to social welfare ahead of future elections.
Historical context of caste surveys in Karnataka
Karnataka has a long history of caste-based studies and socio-economic surveys aimed at informing policy. Previous surveys, however, often lacked comprehensive participation or detailed data collection, limiting their utility. Siddaramaiah’s government has emphasized the importance of full participation, arguing that accurate and representative data is critical for ensuring that welfare programs reach the intended beneficiaries.
The Social and Educational Survey collects information across urban and rural areas, covering income, education, housing, employment, and caste categories. Such data helps the government design affirmative action programs, allocate funds efficiently, and identify underserved communities. Siddaramaiah has argued that the survey will serve as a blueprint for inclusive governance and evidence-based policy.
Conclusion
The Chief Minister’s criticism of Narayana and Sudha Murthy underscores the importance he places on citizen participation in government initiatives. By framing the survey as a civic duty rather than a voluntary exercise for select groups, Siddaramaiah aims to encourage broader engagement across Karnataka.
While the Murthys’ decision has drawn attention due to their high public profile, the controversy has sparked wider discussion about the significance of the caste survey, civic responsibility, and the role of influential citizens in supporting government data collection. Siddaramaiah’s remarks signal the administration’s commitment to conducting the survey in an inclusive and comprehensive manner, ensuring that all communities are accounted for and that government policies are informed by accurate, representative data.
The debate around the Murthys’ participation also raises important questions about how public figures balance personal choice with social responsibility. The Chief Minister’s comments may encourage dialogue on the necessity of civic engagement and contribute to a broader understanding of the role of such surveys in shaping equitable governance.