A recent survey in Karnataka found the number of former Devadasi women nearly halved since 2007. Earlier, 46,660 women were identified as former Devadasis in the 2007-08 survey. The new 2025 survey counted only 23,395 women. Activists doubt these figures. Officials say the decline is mainly because some women passed away or have moved socially and avoided the survey. The survey ran from September 15 to December 31, 2025. It covered 15 districts including Belagavi, Vijayapura, and Ballari. It also identified 90,092 descendants from first to third generations of former Devadasi families. The report recommended removing the mandatory use of fathers' names in school and other forms for children of former Devadasis. It urged the government to introduce a special rehabilitation package. Sources say the upcoming budget might include this package. Other suggestions include financial help for marriages of children from these families and promoting inter-caste marriages. The report calls for special scholarships and training to prepare these children for competitive exams. It also recommends skill development in agriculture and animal husbandry. Medical support under existing programs is advised for former Devadasis and their families. Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Karnataka's Women and Child Welfare Minister, said, "The survey was conducted to collect accurate information about the former Devadasi families and government would take further steps based on the recommendations."