BBMP suspends revenue officer over lapses in SC household survey in Bengaluru

A major lapse in Bengaluru’s Scheduled Caste (SC) household survey has led to the suspension of a Revenue Collector in the city’s East Zone. Peddaraju, assigned to Ward No. 24 (HBR Layout), was suspended after CCTV footage revealed that survey staff under his watch were placing stickers on homes without properly verifying the residents’ identities.

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The door-to-door survey is part of a state-wide initiative by the Karnataka government to compile accurate demographic data on SC families. However, BBMP officials confirmed that enumerators in Peddaraju’s ward were seen affixing survey stickers randomly, violating the required procedure. Instead of collecting resident details through direct interaction, the enumerators appeared to bypass verification steps completely.

The East Zone Commissioner cited Peddaraju’s failure to supervise the process, calling his actions “irresponsible and careless.” The suspension order stated that despite clear instructions, the officer did not monitor the staff properly nor ensure adherence to protocol. As per administrative rules, he has been transferred to a non-field post in Malleshwaram Division and will receive a subsistence allowance during the suspension period.

The incident triggered political backlash, particularly from the BJP, which accused the government of conducting the survey in a politically motivated and unscientific manner. Opposition leaders alleged that homes of non-SC families were also being wrongly tagged, questioning the survey’s credibility.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded by urging calm, saying that people who were missed during the door-to-door phase could still register online. He maintained that the government has created multiple options to ensure everyone has a chance to participate.