The Punjab government's ambitious 'Drug and Socio-Economic Census' is facing a barrage of criticism and logistical challenges. Teachers, tasked with conducting the survey, are encountering resistance and hostility from the public, particularly in areas that traditionally support opposition parties. This resistance is not just verbal but also physical, with teachers being labeled as 'idle people' and 'government's publicists', and being denied entry into homes.
The survey's focus on welfare schemes, such as free power, health insurance, and Aam Aadmi Clinics, has raised suspicions of political motivation. Critics argue that the government is using the census as a guise to gather feedback on its own policies ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. This perception is further fueled by the fact that teachers are being asked to provide details like voter ID and Aadhaar numbers, which could be used for political purposes.
One teacher from Barnala expressed concern about the legal implications of their involvement, given the rules governing government employees' political neutrality. The issue of political bias in the survey questions is a significant point of contention. Teachers report that families who do not support the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are refusing to cooperate, even when promised confidentiality.
Women teachers, in particular, are facing taunts and harassment, highlighting the gendered nature of the resistance. The survey's authenticity is also questioned, as teachers are instructed to record responses without questioning the accuracy of the information provided. This raises concerns about the reliability of the data collected.
Despite the challenges, the AAP government maintains that the census is not about promoting the party but about gathering data to address the state's drug problem, which has been a persistent issue for over two decades. Amit Talwar, the special secretary for the department of rural development and panchayats, asserts that the questions are politically neutral and not biased towards the ruling party.
However, the teachers' experiences suggest otherwise, indicating a deeper political undercurrent. The survey's impact on the public's trust in government initiatives and the potential for political manipulation of the data cannot be overlooked. As the census continues, the government must address these concerns to ensure a fair and unbiased process.
