Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, author Sudha Murty, have decided not to participate in the ongoing social and educational survey being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. Officials said that when enumerators visited their residence, the couple allegedly told them, “We don’t want the survey to be conducted at our home.” They added that they do not belong to any backward community and therefore do not see the need to participate in the government exercise meant for such groups.
Has Sudha Murty made any official statement?
Yes. According to an India Today report, Sudha Murty allegedly wrote and signed a statement on the survey form stating that the survey was of no relevance or use to the government in their case. The couple also submitted their own declaration of non-participation in the trial.
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What did the officials say about their decision?
Reacting to the couple’s decision, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, “We are not forcing anyone to participate in the survey. It is on a voluntary basis.”
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What did the Karnataka High Court say?
In an interim order, the Karnataka High Court directed the state government to publicly announce that the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey is not mandatory.
The court also ruled that surveyors cannot insist on personal information from residents.
All data collected shall be kept confidential and accessible only to the Backward Classes Commission. The court observed that the purpose of the survey is to provide benefits to the backward classes and that the collection of such information does not violate the rights of citizens.
The Karnataka Cabinet on June 12 approved the new survey, effectively nullifying the 2015 exercise, citing Section 11(1) of the Karnataka Backward Classes Act, 1995, which mandates a review of the state’s list of backward classes once in 10 years.
Several communities, especially Karnataka’s two dominant groups – the Vokkaligas and the Veerashaiva-Lingayats – expressed strong objections to the 2015 survey, calling it “unscientific” and demanding a fresh enumeration. There were also dissenting voices from within the ruling Congress party.
