Has Karnataka CM Really Grasped the Issues of Enumerators?
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Synopsis
C.T. Ravi questions CM Siddaramaiah's understanding of the challenges faced by enumerator teachers amidst threats regarding the caste census. With issues in data collection and safety concerns, the need for proper training and pilot surveys is emphasized. Is the government addressing these pressing issues effectively?
Key Takeaways
- Challenges in application hinder data collection for the caste census.
- Safety concerns arise for enumerators, especially female teachers.
- Inadequate training affects the efficiency of the survey process.
- Network issues complicate data uploads in remote areas.
- Proper preparatory steps are essential for successful survey execution.
Bengaluru, Sep 27 (NationPress) - C.T. Ravi, former BJP National General Secretary and current member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, has raised doubts over whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah truly comprehends the challenges faced by enumerator teachers, following alleged threats made against them.
During a media interaction on Saturday, he stated, “The Chief Minister has issued threats of action if the Socio-Economic and Academic survey, commonly referred to as the caste census, isn't executed. But what measures has CM Siddaramaiah taken to alleviate the problems faced by the enumerators?”
He highlighted that: “The application being used is flawed, making data uploads problematic. There are significant issues with receiving OTPs (One-Time Passwords). Additionally, serial numbers for houses have not been assigned correctly – one house is listed in one location, while another is somewhere entirely different. Teachers from one school have been dispatched to remote areas, complicating matters further.
“If you converse with the teachers, you will grasp the true challenges,” he continued, mentioning that he has sent a letter to the Chief Minister addressing these concerns.
“For a survey of this magnitude, thorough preparatory measures are crucial. Adequate training should have been provided. A pilot survey should have been carried out in select areas beforehand to identify and rectify potential issues,” C.T. Ravi asserted.
He added, “After the pilot initiative, the survey model should have been refined and then expanded. However, in this case, no pilot programme was conducted, and sufficient training was lacking. Instead of tackling these issues, the government resorts to threats. Even identifying a household within the UHID (Unique Household ID) system is challenging.”
“In locales such as hill stations and forested regions, network connectivity issues are prevalent. Enumerators are tasked with gathering responses for 60 questions per household, yet many families lack the willingness to answer them all, leading to additional complications.”
“The system frequently displays 'application upload failed'. In certain areas, female teachers visiting households alone face safety and social challenges,” he noted.
“Each application takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, resulting in mental strain and eye discomfort. There have also been health complaints among survey personnel,” he elaborated.
“Not everyone possesses technical proficiency. There are regions where mobile usage skills are inadequate,” he noted.
“If there are 4-5 individuals in a household, it may take between 2 to 2.5 hours. Realistically, only 6 to 8 households can be surveyed in a day. The allocation of additional households should be reassessed,” he stated.
“Furthermore, there are issues with OTPs not being received. All these challenges must be addressed,” he urged.
Point of View
It’s vital to recognize the complexities surrounding the caste census. While government initiatives aim to gather essential socio-economic data, the challenges faced by enumerators must be addressed to ensure an effective and secure process. Open dialogue and collaboration between the government and educators are crucial for the success of such significant undertakings.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main challenges faced by enumerators?
Enumerators are experiencing issues with the application used for data collection, including problems with uploads, receiving OTPs, and inadequate training.
Why is the caste census important?
The caste census is crucial for understanding the socio-economic status of various communities and informing policy decisions.
What has C.T. Ravi suggested to improve the situation?
C.T. Ravi has recommended conducting pilot surveys, providing proper training, and addressing technical issues to facilitate smoother data collection.
Are there safety concerns for enumerators?
Yes, there are safety and social challenges, particularly for female enumerators working in isolated areas.
How long does it take to complete the survey per household?
Completing the survey for each household can take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the number of individuals present.
