Caste Census: BC Panel Wants Criminal Cases for False Details

Hyderabad: The Backward Classes (BC) commission will recommend that the state government file criminal charges against individuals and enumerators who intentionally provide or record incorrect caste information in the upcoming caste census, scheduled to commence on November 6.

The census will also allow individuals the option to declare that they have no caste or religion, accommodating those who do not adhere to such classifications. The caste census assumed significance against the backdrop of the state government's decision to determine reservations for BCs in the upcoming elections for local bodies, expected in December.

BC Commission chairman G. Niranjan told Deccan Chronicle that the commission had received numerous requests for clarification regarding the action the commission would take in cases of falsified information. This included instances where individuals or enumerators might provide inaccurate data, and cases involving individuals, who prefer not to disclose their caste or religion.

Niranjan stated, “It’s the responsibility of individuals to provide accurate information on caste or any other aspect listed in the census. If any individual is found to have intentionally provided false information, or if any enumerator is found to have intentionally recorded inaccurate details, the BC commission will ask the state government to file criminal cases against them.”

To uphold data integrity, Niranjan explained that all individuals in a household, and the enumerators, are required to sign or affix their thumb impression on a declaration, attesting that all information provided and recorded was accurate. Any inaccuracies could result in punitive action if found done intentionally.

The commission also stated that those who notice irregularities in the data are encouraged to report them to the local police, revenue officials or the respective district collectors. If investigations reveal intentional misrepresentation, the commission will urge the state to pursue criminal charges against them.

Addressing the option for individuals to withhold caste or religion information, Niranjan noted, “In the national census, people have the choice not to disclose their religion. Similarly, in Telangana’s caste census, people may choose not to state their caste or religion, selecting the ‘others’ category from the specified list.”

During district tours, the commission has received multiple appeals from communities calling for a fool-proof caste census.

Niranjan added that national census guidelines already include provisions for penalties in cases where incorrect information is recorded.