Karnataka-based Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty have declined to participate in the ongoing Social and Educational Survey conducted by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, citing that they do not belong to any backward caste, sources in the BBMP said on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
According to sources, when enumerators visited their residence for the survey in recent days, Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty reportedly told them, “We don’t want the survey conducted at our home.” Sudha Murty has formally signed a self-declaration refusing to provide information in the pro forma issued by the Commission for the Social and Educational Survey 2025.
The pro forma reads: “Due to some of my personal reasons, I am refusing to provide information in the Social and Educational Survey being conducted by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.” In addition, Sudha Murty reportedly wrote in Kannada: “We do not belong to any backward community. Hence, we will not participate in a government-conducted survey meant for such groups.”
Attempts to reach Sudha Murty, her personal assistant, and Infosys officials for comment on the matter did not elicit any response.
The survey, which began on September 22, was initially scheduled to conclude on October 7 but has been extended until October 18. Since teachers are extensively involved in the survey process, the government has declared a holiday for schools until the completion of the survey. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that any loss in academic schedule will be compensated by conducting extra classes.