Retired staffers get call-up as caste survey in apartments starts in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: The caste census survey has caused confusion among retired employees in Bengaluru, with some receiving messages to participate in the survey. Employees who have requested to be in close to their hometowns have received suspension messages.

The received message shows that “You have been appointed as Enumerator vide Appointment Order No shown on the website and assigned Hoodi Ward under Mr./Mrs ***, supervisor, mobile *******. Your performance on 05.10.2025 by 8PM is NIL. You have failed to discharge your assigned duties, for which you are liable for disciplinary action and suspension without further notice if you do not complete the survey—Chief Commissioner GBA.Many retired employees are surprised and are running around the GBA offices, trying to clarify their position. Some have already submitted letters to the BBMP office seeking exemption, citing their retirement status.

The situation has led to confusion and inconvenience for the retired employees. Some physically disabled retired employees requested to cancel their appointment as enumerators, as they could not reach every house by walking. Some of them are requesting to assign local places to conduct the census and excusing health issues.

A section of the retired employees expressed their outrage against GBA. A woman, assigned to conduct a survey in Tavarekere, said, “It takes two hours to reach the assigned place. I have a wheezing problem and back pain. I did not get any exemption from this work”.

Another woman, who was suffering with leg pain, said, “I had gone on Saturday for survey work, but I returned as I could not manage to cope with my health. But still the department is threatening her with sending a memo. I am living in Srirampura, but I should journey 35 km away. I have a lot of health issues and got surgery also.”

Another woman complained that they said that they were told to write a letter saying that she will work in Bommasandra; when she gave the letter, the authority issued a suspension letter.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority has marked a total of 39,82,000 houses for the social and economic survey. Despite opposition from various quarters, including apartment residents, the survey has begun in full swing from Tuesday.

The backward classes commission has prepared a blueprint to start the survey in apartments, and awareness letters are being sent to apartment residents through Resident Associations (RAs) and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). Surveyors have already been provided with geolocation access, and the commission plans to increase the survey’s pace from Tuesday.