Karnataka panel drops 57 Christian sub-castes from state survey

In a decision sparking political and social debate, Karnataka’s Backward Classes Commission has removed 57 Christian sub-castes from the upcoming Socio-Educational Survey. Officials said the move was taken to avoid “over-classification,” directing enumerators to record Christians only under the broad “others” category. The survey, scheduled from September 22 to October 7, is intended to map caste and community data to guide welfare and reservation policies. Church leaders and minority representatives expressed concern that excluding sub-castes could mask internal social disparities, potentially affecting future benefits. Opposition parties accused the Congress government of bowing to pressure from dominant groups, while the state maintains the exercise aims for simplicity and accuracy. With caste data increasingly shaping politics and welfare distribution, the decision has ignited fresh debate over identity, representation, and the complex intersection of religion and caste in Karnataka’s social fabric.