Public should know what is in caste census report: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 22 (ANI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Tuesday that the public should know what is in the caste census report, submitted by the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission in February this year.
He said that if there is no discussion about the caste census, the state government will be accused of covering up the report.
Talking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said that the caste census report will be brought before the Cabinet and the pros and cons will be discussed. The Chief Minister said that the next decision will be taken later.
Talking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar here, he said that the caste census report will be brought before the Cabinet and the pros and cons will be discussed.
"Rs 160 crore has been spent for the caste census report. If you spend it and don't put it in front of the people, the money spent will not be useful. People should know what is in the report. Otherwise, there will be accusations against the government for covering it up," Parameshwara said.
"Implementation of the census report is a different matter. Shouldn't that information come out?" he added.
Earlier on October 4, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that the decision on the implementation of the caste census report will be taken in the cabinet meeting after holding a discussion on the matter. Siddaramaiah also said that he will hold a discussion with the Minister of Backward Classes on the issue.
The opposition BJP has launched a scathing attack on Congress for not releasing the data of the caste census.
The caste census report was submitted to the government in February of this year. The Chairman of the Commission for Backward Classes, Jayaprakash Hegde, submitted the report.
The demand for the nationwide caste census has been a major Congress agenda item nationally, with other INDIA bloc parties also raising their voices.
Several opposition parties in India, including Congress, RJD, NCP-SCP, etc. have a longstanding demand for the conduct of a caste-based census in India, that revolves around the need for accurate data on the population of different caste groups. (ANI)