Mangaluru: Ahead of the social and educational survey (caste census) that the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission will conduct from September 22, a meeting of Muslim jamaats and organisation leaders of Dakshina Kannada district was held under the leadership of Zeenath Baksh Jumma Masjid and the Muslim Central Committee on Wednesday evening at the Yenepoya Hospital auditorium in Mangaluru.
In the meeting, the Commission’s Secretary, Urmila B, explained how the caste census survey will be conducted and what kind of questions the teachers visiting households will ask. She later responded to the queries raised by the participants.
Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader, who spoke at the meeting, highlighted the importance of the survey and urged everyone to participate without fail and provide correct information. He also appealed to the public to share information with the surveyors at the earliest and extend full cooperation.
Following this, a discussion was held among jamaat and organisation leaders on how to respond to questions on religion, caste and sub-caste in the caste census.
After deliberations, the following decisions were taken:
Since the survey will be a new experience for villagers and those with limited education, there is a possibility of confusion. Therefore, social workers, activists and all community organisations must extend their support. Mosques, madrasas, organisations, local jamaats, committees, youth groups and community volunteers should take up awareness programmes among Muslims. With limited time available for preparations, immediate action must be taken.
All individuals and families in the community must be mentally prepared for the census. When government officials visit their homes, they must be welcomed with respect and given full cooperation.
Before September 22, every family should keep ready their ration card, Aadhaar card of all members above six years of age, voter ID card and other necessary documents.
Even if the questionnaire looks lengthy, there is no need to panic. People should answer only the questions they know. For questions they do not know, they can simply respond that they do not know.
In Column 8 of the questionnaire, where religion is asked, all Muslims should mention ‘Islam’.
In Column 9, where caste is asked, Muslims should write ‘Muslim’.
In Column 10, which seeks details of sub-caste, those belonging to the Beary community should write ‘Beary’. Others may mention their specific group, such as Khassab, Kasai, Attari, etc. Alternatively, they may also write only ‘Muslim’.
In Column 15, regarding mother tongue, Beary-speaking people should mention ‘Beary’. Those speaking Urdu, Nawayathi or other languages should write the name of their respective language.
The questionnaire contains 60 questions, but many of them will not apply to everyone. Such questions need not be answered, and respondents may simply say they do not know.
The meeting was attended by Zeenath Baksh Jumma Masjid President Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi, Central Committee President Alhaj K S Muhammad Masood, S M Rasheed Haji, Hanif Haji, Abdussalam Puthige, former Mayor Ashraf, and leaders of other major organisations.
