Bengaluru: The ongoing Karnataka socio-economic and educational survey has hit another hurdle, as villagers from Baruru, Kallukoppa, Teppagodu, and Mulukeri in Sagar Taluk have decided to boycott the exercise until the state-run BSNL network connects their villages. Despite being located just 70 kilometres from the district headquarters, these villages remain unconnected to the telecom grid, severely affecting the data collection process.
Villagers demand BSNL connectivity before participation
The villagers launched a protest earlier this week, refusing to cooperate with enumerators conducting the survey. In response, Sagar Tahasildar Rashmi Halesh visited the villages and assured the residents that officials would coordinate with BSNL to restore connectivity. However, the villagers, who had issued a three-day ultimatum, remain firm in their stance, saying they will not participate until mobile networks are operational.
The absence of network connectivity has made it impossible for enumerators to use the digital data collection app, which requires real-time internet access for submissions and verification.
Technical challenges slow survey progress
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that enumerators were instructed not to ask personal questions during the survey, such as details about gold, watches, or livestock owned by residents. The clarification came after reports of discomfort among citizens regarding the intrusive nature of certain questions.
However, teachers and field staff assisting with the survey say that despite these instructions, the survey app continues to prompt such questions, and the software does not allow submissions unless all fields are filled.
“The app repeats the question until an answer is entered. Many residents refuse to provide such details or say it’s unnecessary,” said a teacher from Udupi. “Without phone numbers, or when families are away for festivals, we need multiple visits to complete a single household.”
Resistance and suspicion among rural residents
Enumerators working in rural and semi-urban areas have also encountered resistance and suspicion from residents who question the intent and safety of the data being collected.
“People ask why they must reveal bank details, livestock counts, or assets. They fear digital scams, especially since the process involves OTP verification,” said a teacher from Anekal Taluk. “With so many questions, residents often lose patience midway.”
The ongoing survey features a questionnaire of about 60 items, covering household income, education, employment, property, and social background.
Government response and survey deadline
The Karnataka government has stated that the final decision on extending the survey deadline will rest with the Commissioner of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes.
Shivakumar reiterated that enumerators must respect citizens’ privacy and refrain from pressing for sensitive information. Yet, challenges such as technical glitches, lack of network access, and public mistrust continue to slow down data collection.
In Sagar Taluk, the stand-off between residents and officials highlights a critical issue — the digital divide in rural Karnataka. Without reliable mobile connectivity, both administrative work and digital inclusion efforts remain stalled.
Unless BSNL connectivity is restored soon, authorities fear that survey completion in parts of Shivamogga district may be delayed significantly, further complicating the state-wide data collection schedule.