Samiti Encourages Dalits to Identify as Buddhists in Upcoming Survey

### Swift Summary
– Teh Akhil Karnataka Buddha Dakhalaathi Andolana Samiti, a consortium of Dalit organizations in Kalaburagi, urged followers of B.R. Ambedkar too mark “Buddhism” as their religion in the Socio-Economic survey set to begin on September 22 by the Karnataka State backward Classes Commission.
– Samiti members stated that individuals would not face difficulties accessing reservation benefits if they identified Buddhism as their religion, citing the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Act of 1990.
– According to the Act, Scheduled Caste members who convert to Buddhism retain their status as Scheduled Castes adn remain eligible for reservation benefits.
– Members emphasized that Buddhism represents a powerful ideology capable of addressing inequality and eradicating caste-based discrimination.
– The Karnataka State Scheduled Castes Right Communities Forum has resolved to encourage peopel from ‘Right Communities’ to mark Buddhism as their religion followed by specific caste details during the survey.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis
This call by Dalit organizations reflects ongoing tensions between religious identity and social classification within India’s complex socio-economic framework. The emphasis on marking “Buddhism” during the survey highlights its symbolic role in challenging inherent inequalities created by the caste system while retaining practical access to constitutional benefits under reservation policies. by aligning with these provisions from legal reforms such as those introduced in 1990, communities appear invested in preserving both socio-economic safeguards and ideological aspirations rooted in Ambedkar’s vision.

The suggestion also signals an emerging movement aimed at redefining socio-religious identities within backward class categorizations-a step that coudl potentially influence how surveys document data while simultaneously fostering awareness about historical inequalities.Its implementation will likely be watched closely for insights into broader implications on affirmative action frameworks tied with religious conversion practices.

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