Nearly 50% drop in former Devadasi numbers from previous surveys has raised questions, while 6,222 new applications to be recognized as former Devadasis remain unprocessed. This situation arises as a new survey aims to document the socio-economic conditions of Devadasi women and their families in Karnataka, a practice with a long history of marginalization and exploitation. The efficacy and inclusivity of the current survey are under scrutiny due to administrative delays, awareness gaps, and documentation requirements.
Historical Context of the Devadasi System and Previous Surveys
The Devadasi system, historically, involved dedicating women to temple service, but it has devolved into a practice often linked to exploitation, poverty, and social exclusion.
Large numbers of women, primarily from marginalized communities, have lived under this system, often without adequate support.
Previous surveys, including those in 1982 and 1993-94, are noted for not fully capturing the scale of Devadasi women and their children.
A significant factor in the undercounting has been the fear among women of repercussions for coming forward, leading to their exclusion from government aid schemes.
The Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief and Rehabilitation) Bill 2018 aims to address these issues, yet its implementation faces obstacles.
Current Survey Efforts and Challenges
A third survey, launched across 15 districts in Karnataka starting around September 15, 2025, intends to gather accurate data for welfare scheme design and rehabilitation. However, the process is encountering several significant impediments:
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Pending Applications: 6,222 fresh applications seeking recognition as former Devadasis are currently awaiting review by taluk/district-level committees.
Committee Inactivity: Despite being mandatory under the Devadasi Bill, state-level committees responsible for overseeing the process have not convened.
Documentary Hurdles: Applicants face difficulties in providing required documents, such as family trees, which can take up to 21 days to process, hindering timely registration. Officials are reportedly insisting on these documents even for individuals surveyed in the past.
Low Awareness: Inadequate publicity has led to low awareness among potential beneficiaries, particularly those in remote villages who also struggle with transportation to survey centers.
Procedural Inconsistencies: There is a lack of uniformity in how the survey is being conducted across different taluks. Some areas permit self-declaration for children of Devadasi women, while others require specific documentation.
Discrepancies in Survey Numbers and Concerns
The recently released survey numbers have sparked concern due to a notable decrease in the identified number of former Devadasis.
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A nearly 50% decline has been observed across the 15 surveyed districts.
Officials from the Women and Child Development Department indicate that the survey data pertains to surviving former Devadasis and their immediate family generations.
Questions have been raised regarding the exclusion of first, second, and third-generation family members of deceased former Devadasis from the current enumeration.
A legal obstacle is cited as preventing all applicants from being directly recognized as former Devadasis without a thorough review process.
Approximately 30,000 former Devadasis are currently receiving pensions, while the backlog of new applications continues.
Age Limit Controversy
The proposed age limit for participation in the survey has become a point of contention, with activists and community members advocating for its removal.
The budget speech for 2024-25 indicated administrative approval for a re-survey, with some reports suggesting a limitation to Devadasis above 41 years of age.
This age restriction is viewed by some as a potential injustice, possibly excluding victims who do not meet the criterion.
Demands have been made for an inclusive re-survey without any age limitations.
A call for door-to-door surveys, rather than relying solely on in-office enumeration, has also been voiced to ensure wider reach.
Expert Analysis and Community Demands
Activists and community representatives have voiced their perspectives on the ongoing survey and the systemic issues.
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Shobha Gaste of Amma Foundation notes that the slow pace of individual processing (only five to six women covered daily against a target of one village per day) is exacerbated by documentation issues.
Community forums are advocating for the immediate implementation of the Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief and Rehabilitation) 2018 Bill.
A key demand from these forums is a comprehensive re-survey that includes all Devadasi women, irrespective of age.
There are claims that even law enforcement agencies have, in some instances, released individuals accused of facilitating the Devadasi system with mere warnings.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The current Devadasi survey in Karnataka is at a critical juncture, characterized by a substantial backlog of applications and significant operational challenges. The discrepancy in reported numbers from previous surveys, coupled with documentary gaps, awareness issues, and the controversial age limit, raises concerns about the survey's ability to accurately capture the affected population and facilitate timely relief.
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The pending 6,222 applications require urgent review by the taluk/district panels.
The State-level committee needs to convene to provide oversight and guidance.
Efforts to simplify documentation requirements and increase public awareness, especially in remote areas, are crucial.
A resolution on the age limit policy is necessary to ensure inclusivity.
A thorough investigation into the reasons for the reported decline in the number of former Devadasis is warranted.
Sources Used:
The Hindu: Devadasi survey: 6,222 fresh applications still pending before taluk/district panels in Karnataka
Context: Reports on the current status of pending applications and initial survey findings.
Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/devadasi-survey-6222-fresh-applications-still-pending-before-talukdistrict-panels-in-karnataka/article70616745.ece
The South First: Karnataka launches third Devadasi survey but glitches and low awareness hamper progress
Context: Details the launch of the survey, noting inconsistencies and awareness issues.
Link: https://thesouthfirst.com/karnataka/karnataka-launches-third-devadasi-survey-but-glitches-and-low-awareness-hamper-progress/
The Times of India (Bengaluru): Fresh Devadasi survey slowed by document gaps, poor planning
Context: Highlights practical difficulties like document requirements and slow processing speeds.
Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/fresh-devadasi-survey-slowed-by-document-gaps-poor-planning/articleshow/123981989.cms
India TV News: How many Devadasi women are still in Karnataka and when was the last survey done? Know here
Context: Provides background on the Devadasi system and the need for surveys.
Link: https://www.indiatvnews.com/karnataka/how-many-devadasi-women-are-still-in-karnataka-and-when-was-the-last-survey-done-know-all-about-this-system-2025-09-04-1006625
India Podcast: Devadasi Survey Begins in Karnataka Amid Confusion
Context: Discusses the commencement of the survey and the confusion surrounding it, including awareness issues.
Link: https://indiapodcast.com/devadasi-survey-begins-in-karnataka-amid-confusion/
The Print: Why calls for fresh survey of devadasis have ignited both hope & despair in Karnataka
Context: Explores the motivations behind calls for a new survey and past omissions.
Link: https://theprint.in/india/why-calls-for-fresh-survey-of-devadasis-have-ignited-both-hope-despair-in-karnataka/2708690/
New Indian Express: Devadasi women in Karnataka seek inclusive re-survey
Context: Details demands from the community for an inclusive survey, addressing past limitations and age limits.
Link: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2025/Jul/25/devadasis-in-karnataka-seek-inclusive-re-survey
The Times of India (Mangaluru): Concerns raised regarding age limit set by govt for Devadasi survey
Context: Focuses on the controversy surrounding the age limit imposed on the survey.
Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/concerns-raised-regarding-age-limit-set-by-govt-for-devadasi-survey/articleshow/123101386.cms
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