Bihar government rushes to complete caste survey, asks teachers to compile data after duty hours

Before the two-phase survey that began in January was stayed by the Patna High Court this May through an interim order, almost 60 per cent of the work had been completed.

“We are very happy that the court upheld the survey. But one of the petitioners has gone to the Supreme Court. Even if there is little merit in the case now, we do not want any hurdle and will be ready with the survey report soon,” a government official added.

Government sources said the state government would have the choice of tabling the survey report in the Assembly either through a special session or in the winter session.

Teachers have been compiling data on an app based on replies to a set of obligatory questions on one’s caste, income, occupation and residential status. Though several enumerators have complained about “massive under-reporting of one’s income”, they say they have no option but to record what people tell them.

“It is basically a caste survey, not exactly a socio-economic survey. Most OBC, EBC and Scheduled Caste people are very enthused about revealing their caste,” another enumerator said.

“We have been getting great feedback about our caste survey bid. Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and a few other states are likely to emulate our experience. Now that the high court has clearly said that a state cannot wait for the Centre to take new initiatives on the socio-economic front, other states feel encouraged to conduct the survey,” a JD (U) leader said.