Images/Agencies
NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief ministerSiddaramaiah on Friday slammed Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty for refusing to participate in the state’s socio-economic and educational survey. He said their decision was surprising and questioned whether such prominent figures consider themselves above participating in initiatives meant for all sections of society.In a post on X, Siddaramaiah wrote: “The heads of Infosys, Sudha Murthy and Narayana Murthy, have reportedly refused to provide information for the socio-educational survey, stating in a confirmation letter that they do not belong to a backward caste, according to media reports. It must first be understood that the survey is not exclusively for backward communities. Are the people at Infosys akin to gods? The government has already clarified that this is not a survey of backward communities. This is a survey that includes all people.”
.
Siddaramaiah further emphasised that the survey covers all sections of society, not just backward communities and questioned whether the Murthys would also refuse to cooperate if the central government conducted a caste census. “It is wrong to assume that the survey is only for backward communities. In the coming days, the central government will also conduct a caste census; will they refuse to cooperate then as well? Their non-cooperation may stem from misinformation. The state has a population of approximately 7 crore, and this is a survey of their economic, educational, and social conditions,” Karnataka CM further wrote. “It is not a backward classes survey. Let them write whatever they want. People should understand what this survey is about. What can I do if they are unable to understand?” Siddaramaiah told reporters, responding to the Murthys’ refusal to participate.This comes after Sudha Murty in a self-attested letter to the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, stated that the family would not participate in the survey as they do not belong to a backward community.“We and our family will not participate in the census, and we are confirming it through this letter,” she wrote.The Karnataka socio-economic and educational survey, launched on September 22, seeks to assess the living standards and social conditions of all residents. While participation is voluntary following a High Court directive, the government has urged all citizens to take part to ensure accurate data collection and effective implementation of welfare schemes such as Shakti and Gruha Lakshmi.