Survey for internal reservation to be conducted in three phases, to cover 59,000 people: Justice H N Nagamohan Das

The decades-long demand for internal reservation seems close to realisation. Following the Supreme Court’s directions issued nine months ago, the government has constituted a commission to collect accurate data necessary for internal reservation. While the recent Social-Educational Survey (caste census) has stirred public discussion, questions remain about its credibility. Amidst this, a one-man commission headed by Justice (Retd.) Dr H N Nagamohan Das has launched a fresh survey process.

The survey will be conducted between May 5 and 17 across the state. In a special interview with Udayavani‘s ‘Nera-Nera’, Justice Nagamohan Das answers several key questions about the commission’s preparations, methodology, and goals.

Countdown begins for internal reservation survey. How are the preparations?

We have prepared a detailed questionnaire and a mobile app for the survey. A manual and guidelines have been developed. Master trainers have trained district and taluk-level trainers, who in turn will train enumerators. We have listed 58,932 enumerators – all are teachers or anganwadi workers – and appointed 5,894 supervisors. This groundwork is complete.

How many phases will the survey have?

The survey will be conducted in three phases. From May 5 to 17, a door-to-door household survey will be held. From May 19 to 21, help centres will be set up in Gram Panchayats for those who missed the door-to-door survey. Additionally, from May 19 to 23, people can declare their caste and related details online.

You’re attempting to fulfil a 50-year-old demand in 40 days. Is it realistic?
Struggles may go on for centuries, but governments can act in minutes. So yes, it is possible, and we are doing it. The Supreme Court has directed us to collect data on educational and social backwardness, and representation in public employment. Based on this, classification is to be made. Our survey focuses on this.

Will it be difficult to collect detailed data from rural illiterates? Can the survey be completed on time?

Our enumerators will visit every home. People need not fill the form themselves. We ask questions and record their answers. After data is entered, we show them what has been recorded and lock the data only after confirmation. People who are literate can fill it themselves too.

Some people allege that surveyors have not visited their homes. What steps are being taken?

I can’t comment on other reports. On behalf of our commission, we are taking all precautions and ensuring transparency. That is my focus.

Are you considering tools like GIS (Geographical Information System) to ensure survey credibility?

All data will be recorded through the mobile app. There is no manual data entry. So questions like “did the team visit our home or not?” won’t arise. We’ve taken all supporting measures in addition to the app.

A section within Dalits is reportedly opposing internal reservation. Your response?

That’s a rumour. Across the state, including from Scheduled Castes, we have received over 4,000 petitions. Around 95% of them are not opposing internal reservation. The remaining 5% are also not opposing directly – they are asking for a scientific and transparent survey and fair classification. This is on record. We have submitted these findings in our interim report to the government. Even if one person raises a concern, we have to consider it.

Will your final report become another weapon like the caste census report?

I cannot say that. I only want the public to get accurate information through this interview, not more confusion. I urge the Scheduled Caste communities to actively take part in the survey and provide the necessary details.

There is confusion within communities on names—for example, is it ‘Madiga’ or ‘Madara’?

This is a major challenge, especially in Karnataka. Other states don’t face this issue. Here we have names like Adi Andhra, Adi Karnataka, and Adi Dravida. These are not single castes but umbrella groups. In some districts, both Holeyas and Madigas have been recorded as Adi Karnataka. In others, they are marked as Adi Dravida. Grouping all these under a single label defeats the purpose of internal reservation. That’s why we request people to mention their original caste name during the survey.

What about those without caste documents?

We are allowing three options: caste certificate, ration card, or Aadhaar card.

Some people are demanding the inclusion of the ‘creamy layer’. What’s your take?

That matter is not related to me. I will not comment on it.

Will the government accept your report?

I believe the government will accept our report. But whether they do or not is their prerogative.

You’ve set targets for enumerators. Do you have a deadline for submitting your report?

Preparations for the report are already underway. The survey beginning on May 5 is part of that. After data is collected, it will be analysed. We will categorise communities based on literacy – less than 50%, 50–60%, 60–70%, and above 70%.

Similarly, job data will be classified into groups A, B, C, and D. Social backwardness will also be studied. Once all this is consolidated, we will prepare the final report. While I cannot commit to a fixed deadline, I assure that the report will be submitted at the earliest.

— Justice (Retd) H N Nagamohan Das, Chairperson, Commission for Comprehensive Survey of Scheduled Castes

 

Translated version of Kannada interview by Vijay Kumar Chandaragi