Karnataka: In Shivamogga district, villagers have refused to take part in the ongoing caste survey, insisting that the government install a network tower in their area before continuing the process. The Social and Educational Survey, commonly known as the caste survey, began on 22 September and is set to conclude on 7 October.

What are the villagers demanding?

Shashikumar, a resident of Barur Gram Panchayat, said that while he supports the government’s survey, the community’s immediate concern is poor mobile connectivity.

He explained that their repeated requests for a network tower have gone unanswered for over three years. According to him, the Tehsildar of Sagar Taluk has assured villagers that their issue will be resolved within three days.

“There is a network problem in three or four villages in our Barur Gram Panchayat area. We are fighting for the network. Earlier too, the elections were boycotted. At that time, the EO of the Taluk Panchayat came and promised to solve the problem. Who has not been responding to our network problem for three years? The state government is conducting a socio-educational and economic survey. We have no objection to that,” he said.

Residents from Barur, Kallukoppa, Theppagodu, and Mulukeri gathered outside the gram panchayat office, carrying banners and protesting against the ongoing survey.

What are their concerns about the survey?

Shashikumar also pointed out that despite the government instructing officials to collect information door-to-door, villagers were being asked to come to the panchayat office instead.

“The government has instructed the officials to go door to door and conduct a survey, but they are saying that we should come to the Gram Panchayat and provide information. We are opposed to it. We have already formed a net committee and are fighting for it, and we are also holding a dharna at the Gram Panchayat premises,” he said.

Has the government responded?

A tehsil official later met the villagers and assured them that their concerns would be looked into within three days. Following this, the protest was temporarily called off.

“The Sagar Tahsildar has arrived at the spot and informed us that he will discuss your problem with BSNL officials within three days and resolve it. We have temporarily called off the dharna. If the problem is not resolved, a fierce struggle will be launched,” Shashikumar added.

Why was a new survey approved?

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the previous caste census had inaccuracies, which led the state government to approve a fresh survey.