The BC commission wants to open criminal cases for false information

Hyderabad: The Backward Classes (BC) Commission will recommend the state government to initiate criminal proceedings against persons and enumerators who willfully provide or record wrong caste information during the upcoming caste census, which is scheduled to begin on November 6.

The census will also allow people to declare that they do not belong to a caste or religion, taking into account those who do not follow such a classification. The caste census has assumed significance amid the state government’s decision to identify reservations for BCs in the upcoming local body elections expected in December.

This was announced by the head of the commission of BC G. Niranjan Dekan Chronicle that the commission received numerous requests for clarification regarding the actions of the commission in cases of detection of false information. This included cases where individuals or enumerators may have provided inaccurate data, as well as cases involving individuals who wished not to disclose their caste or religion.

Niranjan stated, “Individuals are required to provide accurate information about caste or any other aspect mentioned in the census. If any person is found to have intentionally provided false information, or if any enumerator is found to have intentionally recorded inaccurate data, the BC commission will ask the state government to file criminal charges against them.”

To maintain data integrity, Niranjan explained that everyone in the household and account must sign or fingerprint the returns, confirming that all information provided and recorded was accurate. Any inaccuracies may result in penalties if found to be intentional.

The commission also said that those who notice irregularities in the data are encouraged to report it to the local police, revenue department or the concerned district collectors. If the investigation reveals intentional misrepresentation, the commission will encourage the state to file criminal charges against them.

Speaking about individuals being able to withhold information about their caste or religion, Niranjan said, “During the national census, people have a choice not to disclose their religion. Similarly, in the caste census of Telangana, people can choose not to specify their caste or religion by selecting the ‘other’ category from the specified list.”

During the rounds of the districts, the commission received numerous appeals from communities calling for a groundless caste census.

Niranjan added that the national census guidelines already contain provisions for penalties in cases where incorrect information is registered.