The controversy stems from the inclusion of several questions directed towards Muslims, prompting demands for a change in the survey methodology and an extension of the survey period.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The controversy surrounding ‘irrelevant’ questions being asked in the Maharashtra OBC Commission Survey deepened as some Muslim leaders have raised objections to an alleged bias in the questionnaire.
The controversy stems from the inclusion of several questions directed towards Muslims, prompting demands for a change in the survey methodology and an extension of the survey period.
Jan Jagran Samiti Maharashtra President, Mohsin Ahmed, said several ‘unnecessary’ questions are being asked including sensitive topics such as widow marriage, inter-caste marriages, and household decision-making dynamics, reports reaching here said on Saturday.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the doubtful nature of inquiries related to Hindu-Muslim marriages and the treatment received from government pharmacies.
The State OBC Commission’s survey, focused on the educational and socio-economic backwardness of eight groups, including Samaj, Brahmin, Jain, Hindu Marwadi, Sarasvat, Wesho Samaj, and open categories. It is facing criticism for its inclusion of questions that deviate from the core objectives.
Ahmed expressed skepticism about the relevance of questions related to the income of government employees and teachers, emphasising that focus should remain on the marginalised communities targeted by the survey. He questioned the need for inquiries into personal financial details, arguing that it deviates from the primary aim of assessing educational and economic backwardness.
Furthermore, the survey has come under fire for the inclusion of outdated and irrelevant questions, such as those related to religious ceremonies and the nature of houses. Critics argue that these questions divert attention from crucial issues and make the survey process needlessly complicated.
Former corporator Hasan Ahmed, representing the Jan Jagran Samiti Maharashtra, highlighted the problematic nature of questions regarding caste and religion in survey areas. He questioned the practicality and effectiveness of the survey, particularly in rural areas, and called for a more streamlined and focused approach.
The controversy has prompted calls for the commission to review and modify the survey questions, ensuring that they align with the intended objectives of addressing educational and economic disparities within marginalised communities. As the survey deadline approaches, the debate intensifies over the appropriateness of certain inquiries and their impact on the overall accuracy and validity of the data collected.
