Bengaluru, Jan 15 (Reporter) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday clarified that the caste survey report will not be taken up in the upcoming Cabinet meeting but is expected to be discussed in the Cabinet meet scheduled for next week. The announcement came as opposition parties raised concerns over the contents of the report. Siddaramaiah responded, stating that no official statistics have been released and that circulating figures are based on rumors. He emphasised the necessity for a formal discussion and decision in the Cabinet on the matter. Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara also addressed the issue, asserting the importance of publishing the caste survey data. Dr Parameshwara mentioned that while the government has the authority to decide on implementing any recommendations, it is crucial to ensure that the data is handled with care to avoid potential leaks. The caste survey report held in 2015-2016, has ignited controversy, particularly among the Veerashaiva-Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities. Unverified and leaked data suggested their populations were smaller than anticipated, raising political tensions and sparking debate. BS Shivanna from the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Thinkers’ Forum voiced concerns about the outdated nature of the caste survey data. He urged the government to form an expert committee to reassess the report and suggested requesting the Centre to include caste data in the upcoming general census. The forum also warned that it would initiate a public campaign if the State government does not pass a resolution urging the Centre to incorporate caste data in the next general census...////...