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

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.

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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.