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Privacy concerns in caste survey as some enumerators insist on personal details

The public across Telangana are raising serious privacy concerns over the Congress government’s caste census survey. Although officials have stated that participation in the survey is optional, many report feeling pressured by enumerators who insist on collecting detailed information. 

Critics argue that the Congress government’s actions disregard constitutional rights, established privacy laws, and even Supreme Court judgments on privacy. There is also widespread unease about whether the collected data will remain confidential.

This issue recalls the landmark 2017 Supreme Court case brought by retired judge Justice K.S. Puttaswamy, who challenged the mandatory linking of Aadhaar, emphasizing privacy as a fundamental right. The current survey, however, appears to overlook this ruling, as it requires residents to divulge sensitive personal details. Activists have strongly criticized the government, claiming it violates personal privacy by asking for details related to income, assets, and Aadhaar.

The survey, reportedly composed of 75 questions, gathers data across various domains, including social, economic, educational, employment, caste, and political categories. Part of the survey involves collecting information about family members, Aadhaar numbers, and sensitive financial details. 

Among 17 family-related questions, residents are asked to provide specific land details such as patta numbers (registered in Dharani), types of land, cultivated areas, water sources, leased land, crop information, employment, annual income, turnover for businesses, bank account details, debts, and other assets. Enumerators are also requesting residents to present related documents.

Despite the survey form stating that such details are optional, there are mounting complaints from people who feel coerced into providing the information. Many are questioning why such extensive financial data is necessary, especially if the survey’s primary goal is to assess social and economic indicators for reservation-related decisions. 

Fears about personal privacy have intensified in the wake of recent cyber fraud cases, with residents worried about how securely their data will be stored and handled. Past incidents have also fueled distrust. Previously, ‘Praja Palana’ applications collected after the Congress came to power were found discarded on the roads.

With the survey now requesting not only Aadhaar and phone numbers but also bank account and property details, citizens are anxious about the potential misuse of this data. Academics and intellectuals are hesitant to provide such information, while rural residents report feeling pressured by enumerators who hint that refusing might jeopardize access to government benefits.