On Tuesday, a special session of the Telangana Legislative Assembly witnessed a heated discussion as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy addressed MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi’s demand to present the state’s comprehensive Socio, Economic, Employment, Educational, Political, and Caste survey report. The Chief Minister assured that the government was ready to release the operational details of the survey, but legal constraints prevent the disclosure of the fourth volume, which contains personal data.
Revanth Reddy clarified that three volumes of the survey, covering methodology, resources, and other operational aspects, could be made public after obtaining legal consent. However, the fourth volume, containing individual-specific data, cannot be shared due to data privacy regulations. “Privacy laws and contractual agreements with individuals prohibit us from disclosing this sensitive data,” he explained in response to Owaisi’s concerns.
Akbaruddin Owaisi had earlier questioned the government’s reluctance to table the report in the Assembly for discussion. He stated, “We hoped for a debate on the report. Why is the government avoiding it?” The Chief Minister reiterated that previous governments, including the BRS and Congress, did not make similar survey details public. He expressed confidence in the current government’s transparent approach while respecting legal boundaries.
Revanth Reddy also criticized several BRS leaders, including the party’s president and working president, as well as BJP MP D.K. Aruna, for not participating in the survey. He accused them of neglecting their constituencies and stated that they would have to answer to the public for their absence from the process.
During the session, BRS member Talasani Srinivas Yadav raised concerns about the survey’s 57-point questionnaire, which he claimed discouraged participation. According to him, less than 30% of households in the GHMC limits were covered. He also highlighted issues with missing population data, particularly for children under six years and those aged six to 17. Yadav urged the government to strengthen the legal framework around the survey process, suggesting legislation to enhance reservations for backward classes.
BJP member Payal Shankar also voiced concerns, pointing to discrepancies between the survey process and claims made by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He alleged a decline in the population of certain groups, such as backward classes. However, the Chief Minister dismissed these fears, asserting that the population of these groups had actually increased.
The Assembly session underscored differing opinions on the survey’s methodology, data privacy concerns, and its implications for state policies aimed at marginalized communities. As the government prepares to release the operational aspects of the survey, further discussions on its findings and potential impact are expected in the coming weeks.
