Caste census aimed at improving socio-economic condition of poor: Karnataka Congress

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee on Sunday backed the state government's decision to conduct a caste census, stating that it will help to provide social justice and improve the socio-economic condition of the poor.

"The government has taken this decision with all its wisdom and this has been pending for the last 10 years. Even during the BJP government, although the money was allocated by the Centre, this was not taken up. Our government has decided to take up this census, the reason behind it is to provide social justice," Karnataka Congress president G. Parameshwara told ANI.

"We are providing a lot of handouts to improve their socio-economic status; that is the main reason. The opposition is not concerned about the socio-economic condition of the poor people," he added.

On Saturday, Karnataka government initiated the first caste census which will be conducted across the state in next 20 days. The survey will be conducted by the Backward Classes Commission of the state.

During the survey, the census officials will ask 55 questions to the household and not all questions are mandatory to be answered.