Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, renowned author Sudha Murty, opted out of participating in the ongoing Social and Educational Survey conducted by the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission.
According to officials, when enumerators visited their residence, the couple reportedly told them, “We don’t want the survey conducted at our home.” They also clarified that they do not belong to any backward community and hence would not take part in a government exercise meant for such groups.
Sudha Murty is said to have written and signed a statement on the survey form, declaring that the survey held no relevance or use for the government in their case. The couple also submitted a self-declaration letter formally opting out of the process.
Reacting to their decision, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, “We don’t force anybody to participate in the survey. It’s on a volunteer basis.”
The Karnataka High Court, in its interim order, directed the state government to publicly announce that the socio-economic and education survey is not mandatory. The court also specified that surveyors cannot insist on details and instructed that all collected data be kept confidential, accessible only to the Backward Classes Commission.
The court noted that the survey was intended to provide benefits to backward classes and that collecting such information did not violate citizens’ rights.
Also Read: Karnataka caste survey to be completed by Oct 19: Siddaramaiah
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