The Punjab government's ambitious 'Drug and Socio-Economic Census' is facing a barrage of criticism and logistical challenges. This ambitious initiative, aimed at understanding the state's drug problem and socio-economic landscape, is encountering resistance and pushback from various quarters. The survey's dual focus on drug addiction and welfare schemes has sparked controversy, with opposition parties accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of using the census as a veiled attempt to gauge public opinion ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.
Teachers, the primary surveyors, are finding themselves at the center of this storm. They are being met with refusal, hostility, and even physical barriers when attempting to conduct the census in villages that traditionally support opposition parties like the Congress or Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The term 'wehle lok' (idle people) is being hurled at them, and they are being labeled as 'sarkari parchaarak' (government's publicists), causing them to feel disrespected and disrespected.
The survey's questions, while seemingly neutral, are raising concerns. Nearly half of the questions focus on welfare schemes, such as free power, health insurance, and Aam Aadmi Clinics. This has led to accusations that the government is using the census as a tool for political gain, a charge the ruling dispensation denies. Teachers are being asked to provide feedback on these schemes, which goes against the rules governing government employees' conduct and political neutrality.
The survey's confidentiality promise, intended to encourage honest responses about drug addicts and suppliers, is being undermined by the initial questions asked. Teachers are being forced to ask for personal details like names and WhatsApp numbers, raising questions about the authenticity of the data collected.
Women teachers, in particular, are facing taunts and harassment, with some being accused of failing to find drug addicts while their primary role is teaching. This highlights the gendered nature of the survey's challenges.
The survey's mandatory nature, coupled with the low response rate, is causing further strain. Teachers are being asked to volunteer, but now their participation is being enforced, leading to feelings of resentment and distrust.
The authenticity of the data collected is also in question. Teachers are being asked to record responses without the freedom to question or verify the information provided by respondents. This raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the census data.
The AAP spokesperson, Neel Garg, argues that the census is not about promoting the party but about gathering feedback for better planning. However, the political nature of the questions and the opposition's accusations suggest otherwise.
The special secretary, Amit Talwar, and the director of school education, Sakatar Singh Bal, have assured that the survey is politically neutral and that teachers can report any issues to the local administration. However, the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding the census suggest that the government will need to address these concerns to ensure the survey's success and the integrity of its findings.
