Infosys Founder’s Family Cites Non-Backward Community Status; Karnataka Government Affirms Voluntary Nature of Survey
Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy and his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy, have declined to participate in Karnataka’s ongoing socio-economic and educational survey, commonly known as the caste census. When survey officials visited their Bengaluru residence recently, the couple expressed their decision not to allow the survey to be conducted at their home.
According to news agency PTI, Sudha Murthy formally refused to fill out the survey form and instead signed a declaration statement. In her written statement, she clarified: “We do not belong to any backward community. Therefore, we will not participate in the government survey being conducted for those communities.”
This declaration represents a formal acknowledgment of their decision to opt out of the comprehensive demographic exercise currently underway across Karnataka.
Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded to the Murthy family’s stance with measured acknowledgment of their rights. “Participation in the survey is optional,” Shivakumar stated. “If someone doesn’t wish to provide information, we cannot force anyone to participate in this exercise.”
His statement reinforces the voluntary nature of the census, addressing concerns about mandatory compliance that had emerged since the survey’s inception.
The caste census in Karnataka commenced on September 22, 2024, under the administration of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC). Originally scheduled to conclude on October 7, authorities extended the deadline to October 18 to ensure comprehensive coverage across the state.
A significant legal development occurred on September 25 when the Karnataka High Court directed the KSCBC to issue a public notification clarifying the voluntary nature of the survey. The court’s directive explicitly stated that no individual could be compelled to share their personal information, establishing a clear legal framework protecting citizens’ right to privacy while maintaining the survey’s objectives.
The Murthy family’s decision highlights the complex dynamics surrounding caste-based data collection in contemporary India. As prominent public figures, their stance brings attention to the voluntary nature of such exercises while raising questions about participation patterns among different socio-economic groups. The government’s affirmation of the survey’s optional status demonstrates a balance between gathering demographic data for policy formulation and respecting individual privacy rights.
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