Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said he has directed officials involved in the Social and Educational Survey not to ask certain questions that are personal in nature.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, “I have told officials not to ask people in Bengaluru about how many chicken, sheep and goat they are rearing, and how much gold they have. They are personal matters. There is no need to ask about how many watches or fridge they have. I have advised them that there is no need to ask such questions. I don’t know what they will do, because it is an independent commission.”
When asked about objections regarding questions asked during the survey, he said, “Let any one raise any objection, it (survey) has to be done. Court has said that the survey is voluntary and people can answer what they want and not bother if they don’t want to answer any question.”
Saying there is no meaning in opposing the survey, the DyCM said as objections were raised regarding the earlier survey, an opportunity is being provided for everyone to participate.
To a query on whether the survey will be extended, he said the Commission and the department concerned will decide on it. “However, I appeal to everyone to participate in the survey.”
The survey, being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, began on September 22 and is scheduled to continue until October 7. It was delayed in the Greater Bengaluru area, where five corporations have been newly formed, on the request of the authorities, for training and necessary preparations. The survey is now underway.
The Karnataka High Court last month had declined to stop the survey, but directed the State Backward Classes Commission to maintain confidentiality of the collected data and ensure voluntary participation of citizens.
Conducted at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore, the exercise uses a 60-question questionnaire and is being carried out scientifically, according to officials.
Shivakumar, who is also the in-charge minister of Bengaluru Development on Saturday had taken exception to a number of questions posed to him by enumerators at his home, some of which he refused to answer.
