The Caste Census in Karnataka: The implications for Devangas.

The push for a caste census (socio-economic survey) in Karnataka dates to legal mandates and political commitments. Under the 1995 Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission Act (inspired by the Indra Sawhney judgment), the state is supposed to conduct a socio-educational survey every ten years.

However, no comprehensive survey was officially released for decades after 1995.

In 2015, then chief minister Siddaramaiah commissioned the Karnataka Socio-Economic and Educational Survey under BC Commission chair H. Kantharaj, before it was tabled in the cabinet its findings was leaked in 2018.

However, dominant communities Lingayats, Vokkaligas and others objected and the report was shelved. Chief minister Siddaramaiah announced he would redo the survey claiming the data collected was 10 years old.

After Congress party returned to power in 2023, the 2015 survey report was finally tabled in April 2025. Chief minister Siddaramaiah has since insisted on transparency and fresh enumeration. In June 2025 he ordered a new socio-educational caste survey (to be completed in 90 days) to address concerns of several communities that they were excluded or under-represented. 

This historical saga reflects both the legal framework (mandating periodic surveys) and fear of changing reservation shares for dominant versus marginalized groups that has shaped Karnataka’s caste data collection.

In other words, the state government’s objective was social justice: to obtain updated demographic profiles so policies and quotas could be aligned with actual socio-economic conditions.

In 2025 the government decided to carry out a fresh survey using both door-to-door visits and online forms, aiming for full coverage within 90 days. Chief minister Siddaramaiah has emphasized that knowing the socio-economic and educational status of people is essential to “implement meaningful welfare programmes”. The government clarifies that this is a socio-educational survey, and is legally mandated every 10 years. In reality the government approach is to obtain granular caste and development data to shape targeted schemes and adjust reservation quotas, effectively “social census” for policy planning.

The Karnataka caste survey has been highly contentious. Dominant caste groups Lingayats and Vokkaligas have long resisted caste enumeration, fearing loss of privileges. Some critics argue the survey merely reframes a mandated socio-educational census, but the political optics of it delayed publication.

Conversely, backward and marginalized communities have demanded release of the data. Congress leaders (including Rahul Gandhi) have used the Karnataka model to advocate a national caste census.  BJP leaders have been cautious, with Karnataka BJP highlighting Congress’s alleged neglect of OBCs. Amid these debates, the state cabinet in early 2025 repeatedly deferred decisions, even as ministers asked for technical clarifications. 

The lines of debate include: 

1.Is the survey accurate and inclusive? 2.Should reservations be increased (e.g. 3.Hegde commission recommended raising OBC quota to 51%)? 

Across the political spectrum, stakeholders agree that reliable caste and socio-economic data is key to “address inequities,” even as they wrangle over implications.

The traditional weaving communities of Karnataka are characterized as Nekara form a distinct socio-economic group.  These include about 29 related castes notably Devanga, Padmasali, Thogataveera, Saliya and others, collectively numbering roughly 6–6.5 million people statewide. 

Devangas are a Telugu/Kannada-speaking Hindu caste traditionally engaged in weaving and cloth merchandising. We follow our religious and cultural traditions  and have institutions for social governance. In Karnataka’s caste lists we are classified as Other Backward Class (OBC), entitled to reservation benefits. Census data would quantify our exact population, literacy, landholding and employment patterns. As the largest community among weaver communitie, we have substantial voter presence and economic role, but they have traditionally lacked political clout. With caste-survey data in hand, our community under the auspicious of the Karanataka State Devanga Federation, can highlight demographic numbers, and advocate for targeted development.

The availability of detailed caste survey data offers several concrete benefits for the Devanga community:

1.Accurate population and socio-economic data enable proportional allocation of resources. For example, the Karnataka government has recently allocated large funds for weaver support (₹22 crore to 44,000 handloom weavers and ₹50 crore to 100,000 power-loom weavers under the Nekar Samman Yojana). If the census shows that a significant share of Devanga, planners can ensure that budgets for looms, raw materials or cooperative loans reflect Devanga needs. Detailed data on occupation and landownership can also guide agricultural/ textiles or rural development funding tailored to families.

2.Caste survey findings can reveal specific deprivation levels (e.g. poverty, education or health indicators), guiding us for welfare interventions. The state has undertaken schemes like the Karnataka Nekar Samman Yojana (launched 2020) to aid destitute weavers during the pandemic, and other programs (health camps, housing loans, power-loom subsidies, etc.). Census data allows the government to identify unserved pockets with many Devanga households and to monitor scheme uptake. For instance, if the survey shows low female literacy or high malnutrition within our community, welfare programs (scholarships, midday meals) can be customized accordingly. 

3.Caste census figures provide evidence of the Devanga community’s electoral significance. Our leaders have noted that for so many years our community has never got priority in politics, and demanded reserved political positions. With verified census data, we can ask for reserved seats  or representation in government corporations or federations proportional to our numbers. Knowing the geographic concentration of Devangas can influence how parties select candidates in Devanga-majority constituencies. Accurate demographic data strengthens our bargaining power in coalition negotiations and candidate tickets. In short, “we think we should also get a place in politics so that we can be represented".

4.Finally, caste data highlights the cultural contributions of Devangas. With survey data confirming the scope of Devanga weaving, the state government could bolster cultural initiatives: for example, obtaining GI tags for Devanga textiles, funding Devanga craft museums, or including Devanga arts in tourism promotions. Essentially, census numbers reinforce pride and support for Devanga entrepreneurship ensuring it is counted among Karnataka’s intangible heritage.

5.These benefits generally apply to other weaving castes as well. For instance, other Nekara groups like the Padmasali or Saliya would likewise use caste census data to press for schemes and recognition. However, as the largest weaving caste, the Devangas stand to gain proportionately more in terms of resources and representation.

Benefit Category Impact of Caste Survey Data:

1.Resource Allocation Enables proportional funding and development projects for Devanga weavers (e.g. looms, raw materials, cooperative loans) based on their actual population.

2.Welfare Schemes Identifies socio-economic needs (poverty, education, health) within Devangas, allowing tailored schemes (e.g. scholarships, health camps, skill training) and better beneficiary targeting.

3.Political Representation Quantifies the Devanga vote share and geographic presence, strengthening their case for reserved seats, local leadership positions, and influence in policy decisions.

4.Cultural Recognition Validates the Devanga weaving heritage for greater support from cultural fairs to GI tags reinforcing community's identity and government promotion of their art.

Each of these arises because the census provides granular data by caste. By “revealing the share that Backward communities get” (in Sri Rahul Gandhi’s words), Karnataka’s caste survey helps ensure that Devanga get our due in policy, funding and public recognition.

"Demographic data empowers the voiceless and strengthens the case for equity."

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