Karnataka Caste Census: Muslims Rank High Socially, Lag Behind in Livelihood

Karnataka Caste Census: Muslims Rank High Socially, Lag Behind in Livelihood

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 18, 2025: The Karnataka caste census has revealed that while Muslims enjoy a high social status comparable to Jains, they are among the most backward in terms of livelihood. The report recommends increasing the reservation for the state’s largest religious minority from 4% to 8%.

The Social and Educational Survey, or caste census, assigned Muslims a backwardness score of 89.25 out of 200, placing them below the Yadava (Golla) community, which scored 93.20. Higher scores indicate greater backwardness.

Muslims recorded a social score of 19.71 out of 100, nearly equal to Jains at 19.73. However, they lagged in education with a score of 42.60 out of 68. The livelihood score for Muslims was the highest at 26.94 out of 32, highlighting severe backwardness in factors such as landholding, employment, and joblessness.

In contrast, Jains and Christians, with total scores of 34.99 and 24.68, respectively, are classified as Karnataka’s most forward communities. Christians are ranked as the second most advanced group, following Brahmins.

Political Implications
The findings bolster Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s case for raising the reservation for Muslims, despite opposition from the BJP, which argues that religion-based quotas are unconstitutional. Currently, Muslims fall under the exclusive Category 2B with a 4% reservation.

“The Sachar Committee report clearly showed that the Muslim community’s educational and financial conditions are worse than those of SC/ST groups,” said former minister Tanveer Sait. “We don’t want what’s given to SC/STs and OBCs. We just seek support in education, health, housing, and employment.”

Survey Data Highlights
The 2015 survey identified 59.51 lakh persons as ‘Muslim.’ Among them:
*11.7% had passed Class 10.
*5.5% had attended college or university.
*1.03% held government jobs.
*1.39% worked in the private sector.

Most Muslims relied on family-run businesses or occupations for their livelihood.

Categorization Criteria
The Commission’s framework classifies communities based on their backwardness scores:
*90 and above: ‘Most Backward’ (Category 1A and 1B)
*50-89: ‘More Backward’ (Category 2A and 2B)
*20-49: ‘Backward’ (Category 3A and 3B)