Narayana, Sudha Murthy decline to take part in Karnataka caste survey

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty have declined to take part in the ongoing social and educational survey, nicknamed caste survey, in Karnataka saying they do not belong to any backward caste, sources in the BBMP said on Thursday. When enumerators came for the survey a few days ago, Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy reportedly told them, "We don't want the survey conducted at our home." Sudha Murthy has signed a self-declaration letter for refusal to provide information in a pro forma issued by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission for the Social and Educational Survey 2025, sources said. The pro forma stated that, due to personal reasons, she was declining to provide information for the survey being conducted by the commission. Additionally, Sudha Murthy wrote in Kannada that she and her family do not belong to any backward community and, therefore, would not participate in a government-conducted survey meant for such groups. On reports of Infosys founder chairperson Sudha Murty opting out of Karnataka's socio-economic survey,

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, "The Caste Census is a government initiative. Claiming it is voluntary, but more is expected from people like them because they inspire many generations and continue to do so. However, saying that I will not participate in a survey is not right." 

#WATCH | Bengaluru: On reports of Infosys founder chairperson Sudha Murty opting out of Karnataka's socio-economic survey, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, "The Caste Census is a government initiative. First of all, it is a survey that includes a lot of other information… pic.twitter.com/OKmDKFJilB

— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2025

The survey started on September 22 and was originally scheduled to conclude on October 7, but was later extended up to October 18. Since teachers are largely involved in the survey, the government has declared a holiday for schools till October 18. The caste census has witnessed participation from different levels of society across Karnataka, including Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. Survey officials recently visited Shivakumar's house. He and his family cooperated fully, providing details about their caste, religion, and other personal information.
On September 26, the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes issued a notice explaining the rules for the caste survey. The notice clarified that participation is voluntary. It stated that while the survey aims to cover the entire state, individuals and households are not obliged to provide any information. "Though the survey aims to cover the entire population, participation by citizens and households is voluntary, and there is no requirement to disclose information," the notice said.

(State Correpondent)