'Sorry, not participating in this survey': Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, wife Sudha refuse to join Karnataka caste census

Narayana Murthy, Sudha Murty

Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy and his wife, Rajya Sabha MP and noted author Sudha Murty have declined to participate in the Karnataka government’s ongoing social, educational, and economic survey - popularly known as the caste census.

Enumerators who visited the Murthys’ residence in Jayanagar were reportedly informed that the couple would not take part in the exercise. “Sorry, we will not be participating in this survey,” the couple said politely but firmly, according to officials involved in the enumeration process.

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Moneycontrol has written to Murthys and will update this story once they respond. Their team did not respond to calls and messages

The Murthys also provided a written declaration on the survey form brought to their home. “We do not belong to the backward class. We are economically, socially, and educationally advanced. In this case, there is no benefit to the government or the backward class by getting our information. The basic purpose of this survey is to identify the backward class and provide them facilities. Therefore, it is right for us not to participate in it,” they wrote in the declaration form.

Both Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty signed and returned the form, formally communicating their decision not to be included in the survey.

Asked about the Murthys’ refusal, deputy CM DK Shivakumar said participation in the survey was voluntary. “This is everyone’s personal matter. We cannot force anyone into this. It is their own choice,” he told reporters.

Also, read: 'Caste census' begins in Karnataka, technical glitches reported during door-to-door data collection in some parts

The Karnataka caste census, currently underway across the state, includes 60 main questions and 20 sub-questions designed by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. In Bengaluru alone, about 15.42 lakh households have been covered so far. However, it is not yet clear how many households have declined to participate.