Revenue Minister Krishns Byre Gowda on Sunday, January 26, said before implementing the Socio-Economic and Education Survey (caste census), a consensus needs to be arrived at the State Cabinet. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is striving to achieve the same, he said.
As his Republic Day address at Udupi revolved around economic inequality and uneven distribution of wealth, reporters sought to know whether the Congress government was serious on implementing the Survey report submitted by the Karnataka State Permanent Commission for Backward Classes.
Mr. Gowda said the Congress has a wish for implementing the report as it emphasises on providing preferential treatment to marginalised groups. “But there is a need for a consensus. All have to be united to achieve it. In the effort of developing the society, social fabric can not be disrupted. The Chief Minister is leading from front to build consensus to implement it,” he said.
Mr. Gowda further said, “In a democratic system, opinions of everybody will have to be given an ear. A decision will be finally arrived at; but taking unilateral decisions is not right. There are some barriers to implement this survey report. Some may be right or wrong in their opinion. But we have a duty to take everyone along and efforts are on to achieve consensus first to implement the survey report later.” He admitted of disagreement on the survey report within the Cabinet.
On the reported harassment of borrowers by microfinance firms during loan recovery, Mr. Gowda said the firms are governed by the Reserve Bank of India. The RBI and the central government have to act. Yet the Karnataka government is taking action as the Centre has failed in its duty. Stringent action would be initiated if the firms violate the RBI guidelines for recovery.
Published - January 26, 2025 08:20 pm IST
