In Bengaluru, the founders of Infosys, Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty, have officially said they will not join Karnataka’s controversial caste census – the state’s socio‑economic and academic survey led by the Congress‑ruled government.
Both sent a self‑attested letter to the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, the agency carrying out the survey. In the letter, they explained that they and their family will not participate for personal reasons. “We are not members of a backward caste, and our data would not help the government. Therefore, we will not take part,” the Murtys wrote.
Their decision comes amid a broader debate over the census. Earlier this month, enumerators asked D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress chief, for details at his home. Shivakumar gave the requested information, but he felt the questioning went on too long and told the team, “Why are you taking so much time just to ask questions? Too much questioning.”
Legal experts echo concerns about the survey. Senior advocate B.V. Acharya warned that participants risk having their personal information misused if they take part.
The census deadline in Karnataka was moved to October 12 statewide and October 24 for Bengaluru after the original October 7 cut‑off proved too early. To help finish the work, schools run on half‑days, with government and aided institutions open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dasara holidays have also been extended.
So far, the survey has covered about 83 % of Karnataka homes. In numbers, 1.22 million households have been catalogued out of the 1.43 million the state reports having. The Murtys’ choice to stay out of the census adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about how the survey will be completed and how data will be used.
Source: ianslive
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