The Telangana Government’s School Education Department has announced a directive to conduct a Caste Census across the state, starting on November 6, 2024. This three-week survey will involve school staff and other government workers to gather comprehensive demographic data. Here’s an in-depth look at how the state intends to carry out this initiative, including key roles and responsibilities of the assigned personnel.
Objectives of the Telangana Caste Census
The main objective of the Telangana Caste Census is to obtain accurate data on the caste composition across the state. This information will aid the government in planning and resource allocation to better serve diverse communities. To achieve this, the state is deploying various government employees, including school teachers, administrative staff, and other local officials, to assist in data collection.
Staffing Strategy and Allocation of Resources
The Government of Telangana has outlined a staffing plan to ensure a smooth and efficient census process. A total of 80,000 employees, including MROs, MDOs, MPOs, ASHA, and Anganwadi workers, will contribute to the survey. To address a staffing shortage, teachers will also participate, although they have been assigned as a last preference to avoid disruption to teaching activities.
Involvement of School Teachers and Headmasters
Among the school personnel, the government has allocated the services of:
- 36,559 Secondary Grade Teachers (SGTs) and
- 3,414 Primary School Headmasters (PSHMs) from primary schools across Telangana.
In addition, 6,256 Mandal Resource Center (MRC) staff and approximately 2,000 ministerial staff, including typists, record assistants, and junior and senior assistants from government and aided schools, will also take part in the census.
Adjusted School Timings to Accommodate Survey Duties
To accommodate the participation of primary school teachers and headmasters in the census, the government has modified school timings. Primary schools, including government, LB, and aided schools, will operate on a half-day schedule from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM during the census period. Students will be dismissed after the Mid-Day Meal, allowing teachers to transition to census duties in the afternoon.
Exemptions for Upper Primary and High School Teachers
Secondary Grade Teachers working in upper primary and high schools are exempted from the census duties to ensure these institutions continue to operate on a regular schedule. This exemption aims to minimize disruption to older students’ academic schedules while maintaining adequate staff levels at these schools.
Detailed Responsibilities of Drafted Staff
All assigned personnel, including primary school teachers and MRC staff, are expected to work closely with the Planning Department to fulfill their census duties. Staff are instructed to attend to their enumeration responsibilities for the full day on holidays to ensure the census progresses on schedule.
Remuneration and Compensation
The Planning Department will handle remuneration for all staff participating in the census. Payments will be made according to the government’s norms, compensating individuals for their efforts outside of regular school hours and on public holidays.
Implementation and Oversight
The Principal Secretary to the Government, Mr. B. Venkatesham, has issued a memo requesting the Director of School Education in Telangana to take the necessary actions to implement these adjustments. Additionally, the directive has been forwarded to district collectors and the Secretary of the Planning Department to ensure state-wide compliance and coordination.
Government Order on Half day School in Telangana, Guidelines for Teachers in Caste Census Initiative
Conclusion
The Telangana Caste Census is a significant undertaking aimed at collecting essential demographic data to support inclusive policy-making. Through the coordinated efforts of teachers, administrative staff, and other government employees, the state aims to complete the census efficiently while minimizing the impact on regular school operations. This structured approach highlights the government’s commitment to both educational continuity and the successful completion of this critical census.
