In a development that has drawn both curiosity and debate, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, have declined to participate in the Karnataka caste and socio-economic survey currently underway across the state. Their refusal comes amid an extensive data collection exercise by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission (KSBCC) aimed at understanding the social, educational, and economic composition of the state’s population.
The Couple’s Refusal and Reasoning
According to officials of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), enumerators visited the Murthys’ residence last week to collect information for the survey. However, the couple chose not to take part. Instead, Sudha Murty submitted a written self-declaration to the officials, explicitly stating their decision and rationale.
In her note, Sudha Murty wrote:
“We do not belong to any backward class. Hence, participating in this survey will not be of any help to the government. Therefore, we decline to participate.”
Her statement clarified that the decision was not one of defiance, but rather based on the belief that their inclusion would not serve the intended purpose of the survey — which is primarily designed to gather data that can assist the government in addressing social and economic disparities among backward and marginalized groups.
Officials noted that the enumerators respected her decision and did not press further. The Murthys’ non-participation, however, has sparked a wave of discussion about whether participation in such surveys should be seen as a civic duty or a matter of personal choice.
Government Response: ‘We Respect Her Stand’
The Karnataka government has downplayed any controversy surrounding the refusal. State Labour Minister Santosh Lad, a senior Congress leader, said the couple’s decision is entirely personal and that the state respects their stance.
He told reporters:
“Who is influential or not, is subjective. I don’t think it would have any impact on society. If she has taken her stand, I will respect her.”
Lad added that participation in the survey is voluntary, and no citizen can be compelled to share information if they choose not to. The government’s approach, he emphasized, is to encourage maximum participation through persuasion rather than enforcement.
So far, around 15.42 lakh households in Bengaluru have been covered by the survey. However, officials admitted that participation has not been uniform. While the majority have cooperated, a few households — particularly in urban and affluent areas — have declined. Among those who have participated, data shows that only about 25% of the questions in the detailed questionnaire have been fully answered, indicating hesitancy or confusion among respondents about the survey’s scope and implications.
What the Karnataka Caste Survey Seeks to Achieve
The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission launched the Social and Educational Survey 2025 on September 22, with the goal of gathering comprehensive data on caste composition, educational status, income levels, and living conditions across the state. The survey, often described as a “caste census,” is seen as one of the most ambitious data-gathering efforts undertaken by a state government in recent decades.
The exercise is expected to play a key role in shaping future reservation policies, welfare schemes, and social justice programs. By identifying which communities remain underrepresented or economically vulnerable, the government hopes to make policy interventions more precise and evidence-based.
The state government, led by the Congress, has argued that reliable and updated caste data is essential for promoting an equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Officials have pointed out that existing data on caste and backwardness is outdated, with the last major caste-based socio-economic survey in Karnataka conducted in 2015 under the Siddaramaiah government.
That earlier survey’s findings were never officially released, reportedly due to political sensitivities and disputes over data accuracy. The new 2025 survey aims to avoid those pitfalls by ensuring greater transparency and public involvement.
Operational Details and Challenges
The current survey, initially planned to conclude by October 7, has been extended until October 18 to ensure full coverage. A large number of school teachers have been temporarily reassigned as enumerators, which has led to the closure of schools across Karnataka for the duration of the exercise.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar acknowledged the disruption but assured that the lost instructional hours would be compensated through extra teaching sessions later in the academic year.
Each enumerator carries a detailed pro forma with dozens of questions, covering topics such as:
- Caste and sub-caste identity
- Educational qualifications of household members
- Occupation and income levels
- Type of housing and access to basic amenities
- Ownership of land, vehicles, or other assets
Officials have emphasized that the survey’s purpose is not to categorize or stigmatize, but to generate data that will help the government understand socio-economic realities in a more granular way.
Privacy Concerns and Public Reactions
Despite assurances, the survey has faced pockets of skepticism and concern, especially among middle- and upper-class households in urban areas. Some citizens have expressed unease about sharing personal details related to income, property, or caste, fearing data misuse or privacy violations.
Sudha and Narayana Murthy’s refusal appears to reflect a broader sentiment among some sections of society that the survey’s focus on caste may not be relevant to everyone, particularly those who do not identify with or benefit from caste-based reservations.
Others, however, argue that participation by all social classes — including those outside the backward categories — is essential for creating a complete and accurate socio-economic picture of Karnataka. Without such participation, they say, the data risks becoming skewed or incomplete.
Political observers note that while the Murthys’ decision may not have a significant statistical impact, it holds symbolic weight given their prominence as one of Karnataka’s most respected and influential couples. Both have long been known for their philanthropy, educational initiatives, and low-profile public conduct.
Broader Significance
The Karnataka caste survey is being closely watched nationwide, as it may set a precedent for other states contemplating similar exercises. The demand for updated caste data has been growing, especially after the Bihar government released its own caste-based survey in 2023, which reignited debates on social justice, representation, and affirmative action in India.
For Karnataka, the results could have far-reaching implications on resource allocation, political representation, and the reclassification of certain communities within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) framework.
While Sudha and Narayana Murthy’s decision not to participate has sparked brief controversy, the government maintains that such refusals are exceptions rather than the norm. Officials remain optimistic that the majority of residents will cooperate, recognizing the survey’s role in building a more inclusive and data-driven policy landscape.
In essence, the Murthys’ refusal underscores a recurring tension between individual choice and collective responsibilityin public data collection efforts. While their reasons are rooted in personal belief and principle, their decision has added a new dimension to the public conversation around caste, privacy, and civic participation in modern India.
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