Karnataka Launches Statewide Backward Classes Survey - Details, Questions

The Karnataka State Backwards Classes Commission will begin its much-awaited (Backward Classes Survey) Social and Educational Survey 2025 from September 22 to October 7, covering more than two crore households across the state. Popularly called the “caste census,” the exercise will gather crucial information about people’s social, economic and educational status to help the government design better welfare schemes and budgets. What Citizens Need to Know House-to-House Visit: Government school teachers, trained as surveyors, will visit every household during this period. They will carry official ID cards and a mobile app to record details. Unique House ID: Your home may already have received a Unique Household ID (UHID) sticker, issued by electricity meter readers during the mapping exercise. Please keep this intact as it helps link your household details. 60 Questions: Families will be asked about caste, sub-caste, religion, education, occupation, income, assets like land or vehicles, and whether they benefit from government schemes. Mandatory Participation: All citizens must provide details. The survey is legally backed and no one can opt out. Pre-Forms by ASHAs: ASHA workers have been asked to distribute the question sheet in advance. Citizens can prepare their details (ration card, Aadhaar, voter ID, land records, etc.) to make the process smooth. Online Option: https://kscbcselfdeclaration.karnataka.gov.in/ If you miss the enumerator’s visit, you can also fill the form online at the official website – kscbc.karnataka.gov.in – News Reports mention this - For those unwilling to disclose caste details to enumerators, options have been created to provide information either through a call to a dedicated helpline (8050770004) or online submissions. Why This Matters The government says the data will: Provide a clear caste-wise population count after more than a decade. Show which communities lack access to education, jobs, and welfare schemes. Help fine-tune reservation policies and guarantee schemes. Guide budget allocation for development and welfare. Transparency and Support A state-level helpline (8050-770-004) has been launched for queries and complaints. Citizens are urged to cooperate with enumerators and provide accurate information, as the survey will directly influence future welfare programs and resource allocation. See the List of Questions that will be asked