The government is conducting a social and educational survey aimed at ensuring social justice, identifying backward classes, and formulating government programs. Chief Minister’s legal advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna has appealed to all citizens to actively participate in the survey.
Speaking at a news conference held at Sudarshan Guest House on Monday, the MLA said that the survey is being politicized by some, but those who understand the Constitution will not oppose it. He expressed deep dissatisfaction at individuals who openly discourage participation, highlighting that such opposition reflects a lack of respect for the Constitution.
Ponnanna clarified that the state government is not conducting a caste survey; rather, it is a social and educational survey designed to identify backward classes, implement relevant laws, and formulate welfare programs. He emphasized that the survey aims to promote equality under the Constitution by providing special programs and reservation for those identified as backward.
He noted that the survey aligns with Supreme Court guidance in the Indira Sahani case and follows recommendations from the Kantaraju Report, Jayaprakash Hegadde Commission, and Madhusudan Commission. Citizens who respect the Constitution should welcome the survey and avoid being misled.
Ponnanna requested that politics be set aside, and efforts focus on identifying those who are permanently oppressed and socially backward. He emphasized that the survey is scientific and not caste-based. More than two crore households are being surveyed in the state, with one surveyor assigned to cover 70 to 80 houses in rural areas and 110 to 120 houses in urban areas. Geo-tagging technology is also being employed, and citizens may register online.
The MLA highlighted that the survey ensures government services reach every citizen and contributes to building an equitable society. He noted that internal reservation for Scheduled Castes, resulting from forty years of struggle, has been implemented.
Regarding infrastructure, Ponnanna stated that many roads, including Madikeri-Bhagamandala and Bhagamandala-Napoklu-Virajpet, have been damaged by rain and will be repaired once rainfall subsides. A tender has already been floated for road repair under the Public Works Department at a cost of Rs. 40 crore, with an additional Rs. 20 crore released under the Chief Minister’s special grant. The total cost for PWD road repairs is Rs. 155 crore.
The MLA mentioned plans for the development of healthcare facilities, including upgrading the Virajpet government hospital to a district hospital with 250 beds, establishing a 30 to 60-bed hospital in Gonikoppa, and constructing a community health center in Hudikeri at a cost of Rs. 30 crore. Plans are also underway for a sports training center on 11 acres of land in V. Badaga.
Power infrastructure is being reinforced with Rs. 208 crore allocated for Kodagu district, including replacement of electric poles and transformers. Efforts have ensured electricity and drinking water supply to the bus stand and 14 houses in Gonikoppa. Rs. 2 crore has been reserved for the Tula Sankraman Pavitra Tirthodbhava fair. Development work for temples, mosques, and churches is in progress, along with the allocation of land for a cultural house for Kodagu Gowda Samaj in Madenadu village.
Ponnanna also highlighted the construction of a Morarji Desai residential school, six electrical substations, and initiatives in education, health, sports, and other public services. Over the last two and a half years, 300 to 400 individuals have received free health services, and school and college students have been awarded scholarships. Plans are underway to involve Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in granting 2,000 rights as part of a healthy democratic debate.
Responding to a question regarding the ‘religion’ column in the survey, Ponnanna said that community leaders, including those from the Akhil Kodava Samaj and Federation Kodava Sangathan, will make a collective decision.
Sports Authority Vice President Arun Machayya and leaders Kolyad Girish, Tatu Monnappa, Thennira Maina, Pattada Ranji Poonachha, Hansa, Ismail, and Suraj were present.
