Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has declared a holiday for government and aided schools from October 8 to October 18. This break allows teachers to focus on completing the ongoing social and educational survey, known as the ‘caste survey’. Initially set to conclude on October 7, the survey faced delays in several districts, prompting an extension.
The Chief Minister explained that while some areas, like Koppal district, have nearly finished the survey with 97% completion, others lag. Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts have only reached 63% and 60%, respectively. The overall state progress did not meet expectations, necessitating the extension.
The survey is expected to take eight working days by October 18. Teachers involved in mid-term exams are exempt from participating in the survey activities. This decision ensures that academic responsibilities are not compromised during this period.
In a meeting with ministers and officials, Siddaramaiah highlighted the uneven progress across districts. The need for additional time was evident as some regions were significantly behind schedule compared to others. Tragically, three staff members lost their lives during the survey work. In response, the Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for each of their families.
This gesture aims to support those affected by these unfortunate incidents. The extension of school holidays highlights the importance of completing this comprehensive survey. It reflects the government’s commitment to gathering accurate data for social and educational planning across Karnataka.
This initiative brings the challenges faced in large-scale data collection efforts. It also demonstrates the government’s adaptability in addressing unforeseen delays while ensuring minimal disruption to educational activities.
