Overview

• Chief Minister M. Siddaramaiah confirmed the removal of a column listing Christian sub-castes, saying he did not order it and noting the Backward Classes Commission’s statutory independence.
• The commission instructed enumerators to log any Christian sub-caste responses under 'Others', and respondents may state pre-conversion caste but those entries will still be classified as 'Others'.
• The survey is billed as a socio-economic, educational and employment mapping from 22 September to 7 October using about 1.75 lakh teachers via a mobile app, with an estimated cost of roughly ₹420 crore.
• BJP leaders objected to the change, arguing it could affect anti-conversion provisions and reservation claims, as Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s earlier letter warned of potential social unrest.
• Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced 'next-generation' GST reforms effective 22 September, shifting to two main slabs of 5% and 18%—with demerit goods at 40%—and recategorising many items into lower rates.