Karnataka government begins survey of Bangla SC migrants

Mangalore Today News Network

Mysuru, Oct 17, 2021: The state government has taken up a survey to find out how many Bangladeshi Scheduled Caste (SC) immigrants are staying in various districts to recommend their inclusion in SC list.

According to a circular issued by the Dr BR Ambedkar Research Institute, Bengaluru, recently, all the joint/ deputy directors of the social welfare department have been directed to compile the number of SC population migrated from Bangladesh.

A copy of the directive issued to social welfare authorities in Chikkamagaluru is with the STOI. According to it, data of Namashudra, Poud/ Poundra, and Rajabamshi caste population who belong to the SC community is sought. Officers have been instructed to compile the data and submit it to the institute.

According to the authorities, in many taluks of Malnad region, the exercise has been completed. However, none of these caste populations/ families has been found in any of these taluks.

‘Reports awaited’
Pratibha, director of the research institute, said the institute is yet to receive reports from the districts.

“Earlier, one such exercise was carried out in Raichur district. To find out the SC population which has migrated from various places, this exercise has been taken up. If we find any SC population we will extend them necessary support,” she said.

Samarasya Vedike convener Vadiraj informed said the exercise is expected to help those who are staying in camps after migrating from Bangladesh at the time of 1971 war.

“In Karnataka, such a camp was opened in Sindhanur in Raichur district. They are struggling to get Indian citizenship. Those who were staying in these camps are now spread over many places,” he said.