KVPS demands extension, re-survey for flawed SC Social Audit in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawad – Andhra Pradesh: The Anti-Caste Discrimination Society (KVPS) has raised serious concerns over the ongoing Social Audit on Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Andhra Pradesh, citing widespread errors in caste and religion data. In a memorandum submitted to Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy on Wednesday, KVPS General Secretary Andra Malyadri demanded an extension of the deadline and a comprehensive re-survey to rectify the inaccuracies, which they claim are depriving many Dalits of their rightful reservations.

Flawed data collection raises concerns

The Social Audit, conducted through the Andhra Pradesh Village and Ward Secretariats (GSWS), has been marred by glaring errors. Reports indicate that caste and religion were often determined based on names without proper verification, leading to incorrect classifications. For instance, many Hindus were wrongly listed as Christian Backward Classes (BCs), while some SC individuals were mistakenly categorized as Other Castes (OCs). These errors have raised fears that Dalits may lose their reservations, a critical safeguard for their socio-economic upliftment.

Lack of awareness and accessibility

KVPS has highlighted the lack of public awareness about the Social Audit, with no campaigns, announcements, or door-to-door surveys conducted to inform citizens. The previous system of ward volunteers, who used to disseminate information through WhatsApp groups and direct communication, has been discontinued. This has left many Dalits, especially those without online access, unaware of the audit and unable to correct errors in their caste and religion details. The current online correction process, set to conclude on January 20, is inaccessible to a significant portion of the population.

Case studies highlight systemic failures

One such case is that of V Naveen Kumar, a resident of Bhawanipuram, who belongs to the SC (B) caste. Despite having his caste correctly recorded at the Bhawanipuram MRO office, the Secretariat’s data incorrectly listed him as OC. KVPS argues that such errors are widespread and stem from the absence of proper verification processes over the past five years. The organization questions how caste details can be altered without individuals’ consent and warns that similar mistakes for upper castes would not be tolerated.

KVPS proposes solutions for a fair audit

To address these issues, KVPS has proposed several measures. These include reinstating the WhatsApp group system for ward secretariats to ensure timely information dissemination, conducting campaigns, and involving ward members in spreading awareness. Additionally, KVPS has called for a physical correction process to complement the online system, ensuring that those without digital access can participate. They have also urged the government to conduct a comprehensive door-to-door re-survey to verify and correct the data.

Political and social implications

The flawed Social Audit has significant political and social implications. Incorrect caste data could lead to the exclusion of eligible beneficiaries from government schemes and reservations, exacerbating existing inequalities. KVPS has warned that such errors could undermine trust in the government’s commitment to social justice. The organization has called for immediate corrective action to ensure that the Social Audit reflects the true demographic reality and upholds the rights of marginalized communities.

The Social Audit on Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh has come under scrutiny for its inaccuracies and lack of transparency. KVPS’s demand for an extension and re-survey underscores the need for a more inclusive and error-free process. As the state government reviews these concerns, it must prioritize the participation of all stakeholders, particularly those from marginalized communities, to ensure that the audit serves its intended purpose of promoting social equity and justice.