Telangana: Census Gets Thumbs Up From Urban Poor, Villages, Others Resist

Hyderabad: District collectors have reported that approximately 30 per cent of the 1.17 crore households had been surveyed within the first week of the caste census. The exercise has seen higher participation in rural areas, while the response from urban areas remains relatively slow due to hesitancy from residents about sharing personal information.

The census has observed better participation from economically disadvantaged sections in urban areas, who are more reliant on welfare schemes.

Enumerators reported frequent challenges when gathering information in urban settings. Residents in middle-class and affluent areas were often reluctant to disclose details about their assets, bank information, Aadhaar numbers, and income-tax returns. Many argued that they did not get welfare schemes and their participation in the census was unnecessary. Some households have even argued with enumerators over privacy concerns.

Backward classes welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar held a review meeting with officials on Thursday to discuss the census's progress. "Justice will be done to the people of Telangana through this historic programme. Everyone should cooperate."

Prabhakar clarified that participation in the census would not impact residents' access to welfare schemes. Additionally, he said that the information gathered would be kept confidential. He clarified that details like bank account numbers and Aadhaar cards are optional, not mandatory.

The minister encouraged those with concerns to reach out to district officials or collectors for clarification.

Over 4.4 lakh houses have been covered in the GHMC area, said Minister Prabhakar, who participated in the survey held at NBT Nagar and Mithalinagar in Banjara Hills. By the end of the day, the GHMC in a press release said 5.9 lakh houses had been covered in its jurisdiction.