While Karnataka’s Scheduled Caste (SC) door-to-door survey moves swiftly in most districts, Bengaluru is lagging behind significantly. In response, Justice H N Nagmohan Das, who is supervising the process, has issued a stern warning to gated communities that are denying surveyors entry.
Speaking to the press, Justice Das emphasized that obstructing a public official from performing their duties is a punishable offence. “If they block enumerators, why not cut water and electricity to those places? People have the right to withhold information, but they cannot prevent the process,” he stated.
Survey teams have successfully covered 73.72% of SC households statewide, but Bengaluru has only reached 36% coverage. This disparity is attributed partly to the capital’s late start and also to security restrictions in gated apartments.
Another challenge is the limited availability of government school teachers, who typically serve as enumerators. With fewer such schools in the city, there’s a manpower shortage. Justice Das mentioned that private school teachers might be roped in, and that the BBMP Commissioner has been asked to form a coordination team, a control room, and a helpline.
He also explained that two surveyors would be sent to SC-dense areas, while one can cover multiple lower-density localities. Social Welfare Commissioner Dr Rakesh Kumar clarified that enumerators hired solely for this project would receive ₹5,000 plus ₹100 per SC home.
Officials note that in Bengaluru, some SC families may hesitate to reveal their identity due to urban social stigma.
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