Mysore/Mysuru: The Central Government must conduct a nationwide caste census to collect accurate data, based on which the classification of the castes must be done, said former Advocate General Prof. K. Ravivarma Kumar, here this morning.

Speaking after inaugurating a workshop on the topic ‘Reservation and Classification’ organised at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, he said that the Karnataka has listed a total of 101 castes. With the power of classification vested with the State not a single caste should be ignored during the classification process. 

Citing the example of Census of India 1931  during which it was found that the Brahmin community, which constituted of mere 3 percent of the total population, was enjoying about 95 percent of Government facilities, Prof. Ravivarma Kumar said, the very purpose of reservation was to prioritise those who had been denied the Government facilities. It was important that the Government must decide on the classification and reservation of castes on the basis of accurate data.

Former Director (Vice-Chancellor), National Law School of India, Bengaluru, Prof. G. Mohan Gopal presided.

Prof. L. Jawahar Nesan, Member-cum-Convener High-level Committee to formulate a distinct State Education Policy for Tamil Nadu,  Dr. Y Chinnarao, Professor, JNU, New Delhi and Dr. K.L. Chandrashekar, Professor, Vidyavardhaka Law College, Mysuru were present.