The Social and Educational Survey in Bengaluru is facing significant hurdles as enumerators have staged protests, raising concerns about the accuracy and feasibility of the ongoing data collection process. This survey, also known as the caste survey, has a deadline of October 7, 2025, set by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
One of the primary issues is the pressure on enumerators to meet this deadline, which critics argue is undermining the accuracy of the survey. Around 100 enumerators protested at the Malleswaram municipal office. Concerns have been raised that the enumerators are rushing to achieve targets without properly collecting data from each family member. Some residents have alleged that enumerators made wrong entries and did not take the time to clarify doubts or cross-check answers.
Several factors contribute to these challenges. Glitches in the data collection software have reportedly delayed entries and caused incomplete uploads. Additionally, some families are hesitant to share caste details, and enumerators feel they lack adequate training to handle such situations.
The government hopes to complete 96-98% of the survey work within a couple of weeks, but experts consider this target unrealistic. Analyst Vishwas Shetty cautioned that sacrificing accuracy for speed could lead to the survey's findings being questioned, potentially resulting in a resurvey, similar to what happened with the 2015 caste survey. Opposition leader R Ashoka echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for proper training, time, and patience for a survey of this scale.
In response to the issues, Shobha from the District Office of Backward Classes Welfare Department stated that enumerators should collect details from all family members and not discourage families from sharing information. She added that she would investigate specific cases and take appropriate action. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged officials to coordinate more closely and warned of legal action against any negligence. He also mentioned that payments have been disbursed to over 120,000 school teachers mobilized as enumerators.
The state government has authorized the establishment of survey centers in schools in hilly areas and encouraged online submissions to facilitate participation. Enumerators have been instructed to revisit households that were locked during previous attempts. The Chief Minister has also directed officials to assign IT staff from other departments to provide on-the-spot technical support.
The survey, which aims to record the social and educational profile of over 14.3 million families across the state, faces a daunting challenge in Bengaluru, with nearly 500 million families within the Greater Bengaluru Authority's area. With the deadline fast approaching and concerns about accuracy mounting, it remains to be seen whether the Social and Educational Survey can overcome these hurdles and provide reliable data for policy-making.
