“Youth Activists Demand Fair Representation in Karnataka’s 2025 Development Plan”
Bengaluru – The Solidarity Youth Movement Karnataka recently convened a consultation meeting at the Legislators’ Home in Bengaluru to discuss the upcoming Karnataka Social, Educational, and Economic Survey 2025. The meeting aimed to strategize community participation and ensure the successful execution of the survey, which is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping equitable development policies in the state.
Why the Survey Matters
The Karnataka government’s proposed survey seeks to assess the socio-economic and educational conditions of various communities, ensuring that welfare schemes and reservations are aligned with ground realities. Experts argue that this initiative could reinforce constitutional mandates of social justice by identifying marginalized groups and tailoring policies to uplift them.
“The survey will scientifically determine the backwardness of communities based on social, educational, and economic indicators. This data will be crucial in empowering disadvantaged sections through targeted interventions,” said a participant at the meeting.
Learning from Past Experiences
The discussion also touched upon previous attempts, such as the Kantaraju Commission Survey in 2015, which was delayed and ultimately disregarded. However, the current effort draws inspiration from successful models in Bihar and Telangana, where similar surveys have been completed and are now guiding policy implementation.
Renowned thinker Shivasundar, who attended as a resource person, provided historical context by comparing the British-era caste census and the Mysore State’s reservation policies. He emphasized the need for proportional representation in development initiatives, stating, “Accurate population data ensures that reservations and welfare programs reach those who need them the most.”
Broad-Based Participation Key to Success
The consultation saw participation from diverse stakeholders, including representatives from the Muslim Jamaat-e-Ulema Hind, Muslim Muttahida Mahaz, retired judges, IAS officers, and community leaders.
Ismail Thirthahalli, State Secretary of the Solidarity Youth Movement Karnataka, delivered the introductory remarks, while Yasin Kodibengre, a member of the State Advisory Committee, moderated the session. Dr. Naseem Ahmed, the organization’s State President, concluded the meeting by outlining future steps and expressing gratitude to attendees.
Among the notable participants were retired IAS officer Ibrahim Adoor, social activists N.T. Abru, C.M. Faiz, and M.A. Siraj, along with community leaders like Mujibulla Zafari, Zubeda Begum, and Abdussalam Puttige.
A Step Toward Social Justice
Karnataka has a long-standing history of advocating for social justice, and the 2025 survey is seen as a crucial step in ensuring constitutional guarantees of reservation and representation for all communities. By identifying backwardness through empirical data, the state aims to bridge gaps in education, employment, and social welfare.
“This survey is not just about numbers—it’s about justice,” remarked a participant. “Only when we know who is left behind can we truly bring them forward.”
With preparations underway, the Karnataka government’s initiative could set a benchmark for evidence-based policymaking, ensuring that development reaches every corner of the state.
Key Quotes:
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Shivasundar, Thinker & Resource Person:
“Accurate population data ensures reservations and welfare programs reach those who need them most. This survey is a step toward justice.” -
Ismail Thirthahalli, State Secretary, Solidarity Youth Movement Karnataka:
“Community participation is key—this survey will only succeed if every voice is counted.” -
Dr. Naseem Ahmed, State President, Solidarity Youth Movement Karnataka:
“Karnataka has a legacy of social justice. This survey will help us uphold constitutional promises for marginalized communities.” -
Retired IAS Officer Ibrahim Adoor:
“Without data, policies remain blind. This survey will be Karnataka’s roadmap to equitable development.” -
Hares Siddiqui, Social Activist:
“Numbers don’t lie – this survey will expose the truth about who’s been left behind in Karnataka’s development story.” -
M. Faiz, Education Reformer:
“When we count every student, every worker, every family – that’s when real empowerment begins. This is our chance to rewrite Karnataka’s future.” -
Maqbool Ahmed Siraj, Journalist:
“For decades, communities have been invisible in government files. 2025 will be the year we demand to be seen, heard and counted.” - Nikhat Tabassum Aabroo, Retired IAS Officer:
“Policy-making without data is like driving blindfolded. This survey will finally give Karnataka its roadmap to justice.”
