Survey Progress in Hyderabad: Over 20 Lakh Families Covered
The ongoing Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste (SEEEPC) survey in Hyderabad has made significant progress. So far, over 20 lakh families, amounting to 84.14% of households, have been surveyed within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits. However, participation in some areas remains low, especially in gated communities and among high-income groups.
Survey Details and Coverage
The survey, which began on November 9, involves enumerators visiting households to collect data on family members’ social, economic, educational, employment, political, and caste-related details. Out of a total of 23,95,870 households in GHMC, data from 20,15,965 houses had been collected as of November 27.
According to GHMC data, the survey has made considerable progress in most areas, but some circles lag behind. Amberpet circle has the lowest participation rate, with only 73.36% of households surveyed. Other low-performing circles include Serilingampally (76.6%), Malakpet (76.15%), Quthbullapur (76.7%), Charminar (77.59%), Jubilee Hills (79.1%), and Kukatpally (79.2%).
Challenges in Participation
Participation levels have varied significantly across the GHMC zones. Many residents, particularly in gated communities and affluent areas, have been hesitant to provide their information to enumerators. This reluctance has posed a challenge to the survey’s goal of creating a comprehensive socio-economic profile of the city.
Social activist Asif Hussain Sohail expressed concern over this issue, stating that such low participation could lead to an incomplete understanding of the socio-economic landscape. This may result in data gaps, which could hinder future planning and decision-making.
Reluctance in Gated Communities
One of the main challenges faced by survey teams is the lack of cooperation from gated communities, which include the homes of political leaders, celebrities, and high-income groups. Many of these communities restrict access to outsiders, including survey enumerators. Security personnel in villas and high-rise buildings have reportedly been instructed not to allow survey teams inside.
Asif Hussain pointed out that privacy concerns and a general disinterest in government initiatives are the main reasons for this reluctance. Residents in these areas seem unwilling to engage, with many claiming they are not eligible for government schemes and thus see no benefit in participating.
GHMC Officials Highlight Difficulties
GHMC officials have confirmed the challenges faced by enumerators. Families in gated communities and affluent areas are particularly unwilling to share details. Officials noted that this lack of cooperation is hindering the survey process and limiting the ability to gather accurate data.
Despite these hurdles, the GHMC continues its efforts to complete the survey and urges residents to cooperate, emphasizing the importance of the data for future planning and development.
