BC survey must meet SC norms, Mishra tells AP officials
Andhra Pradesh Dedicated Commission Chairman and retired IAS officer Rajeev Ranjan Mishra on Saturday directed officials to conduct the Backward Classes (BC) survey in strict adherence to Supreme Court guidelines, stressing accuracy, verification, and scientific data collection.
He chaired a review meeting at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) headquarters.
Mr. Mishra said the survey would be used to assess the nature, extent, and impact of backwardness among BC communities across local bodies in the State. Based on this empirical study, the Commission will recommend reservation percentages for BCs in line with constitutional provisions and court directions.
He instructed officials to ensure completely error-free data collection within GVMC limits and warned against any discrepancies. He also emphasised proper verification of the Unified Family Survey and called for systematic ward-wise population enumeration. Officials were directed to ensure that BC data is accurately included in the Census 2027 exercise.
The Chairman reviewed sub-caste details within BC communities and said all relevant parameters must be covered during enumeration. He sought detailed updates on ongoing data collection and field-level progress.
Mr. Mishra said the Commission will conduct a detailed socio-economic study of BC communities before finalising its recommendations. He added that public representations and suggestions will be carefully examined, and decisions will be taken strictly within the legal framework.
GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg said the corporation currently has 98 wards and that preparations are underway for delimitation ahead of local body elections. He said the ward secretariat system will be used to speed up the process.
He added that the Census 2027 population enumeration is in progress and directed officials to submit a detailed BC population report through the Town Planning wing. He also said electoral roll-based surveys will be conducted across all wards to prepare accurate BC population data and updated voter lists.
Senior GVMC officials and representatives of various departments attended the meeting.