Hyderabad: The Backward Classes (BC) Commission will recommend the state government to file criminal charges against persons and enumerators who willfully furnish or record incorrect caste information in the next caste census, scheduled to begin on November 6.

The census will allow individuals the option to declare that they have no caste or religion, accommodating those who do not adhere to such classifications. The caste census has assumed significance amid the state government’s decision to determine reservations for BC in the upcoming local body elections expected in December.

BC Commission Chairman G. Niranjan said Deccan Chronicle that the commission had received numerous requests for clarification on the action the commission would take in cases of falsified information. This included cases where individuals or enumerators might provide inaccurate data and cases involving people who preferred not to disclose their caste or religion.

Niranjan stated, “It is the responsibility of individuals to provide accurate information about caste or any other aspect listed in the census. If a person is found to have intentionally furnished false information or if an enumerator is found to have intentionally recorded inaccurate details, the BC commission will ask the state government to file criminal cases against him.”

To maintain data integrity, Niranjan explained that all individuals in a household and enumerators must sign or thumbprint a declaration, certifying that all information provided and recorded is correct. Any inaccuracy may result in punitive action if found to be intentional.

The commission also stated that those who find irregularities in the data are encouraged to report them to the local police, revenue officials or the respective district collectors. If investigations reveal intentional false statements, the commission will urge the state to pursue criminal charges against them.

Addressing the option of individuals to withhold information about caste or religion, Niranjan noted, “In the national census, people have the option not to disclose their religion. Similarly, in Telangana’s caste census, people can choose not to declare their caste or religion by selecting the ‘others’ category from the specified list.”

During the district tours, the commission received several calls from communities demanding a secure caste census.

Niranjan added that national census guidelines already include provisions for penalties in cases where incorrect information is recorded.