Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday (September 28) expressed apprehension that caste survey data in Karnataka could be sold, raising doubts about the intentions behind the exercise.

Speaking to reporters, Joshi questioned the scope of the survey, pointing out that “many unwanted details have been collected.” He noted that the 60 questions included queries such as: What is your income? How much income tax have you paid? What is your monthly income? Are there widows in your home? Have you ever faced caste discrimination? Were you a member of a social organisation? “What would you do with these details?” he asked.

The Congress government in Karnataka has undertaken a social and educational survey, nicknamed the caste census, at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore. The survey commenced on S

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