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Bengaluru: The extension of the Scheduled Caste sub-categorization caste census till May 25 has sparked concern among educators, as it is feared that the delay may severely affect preparations for the new academic year, set to begin on May 29.

Initially, the enumeration was scheduled from May 5 to May 17, but the deadline was later pushed to May 25. According to the academic calendar issued by the Department of Education, schools across the state are to reopen on May 29. This leaves just four days for teachers engaged in the census to switch back to school duties, raising alarm over inadequate time for crucial preparatory work.

Over 70,000 Teachers Involved in Census

As many as 58,932 schoolteachers have been directly involved in the caste census, with over 5,500 teachers kept on standby. Additionally, 5,000 supervisors have been appointed, each overseeing 10–12 enumerators. In total, around 70,000 educators have been roped into the census work.

Disruption to School Preparations

Teachers fear that such large-scale deployment will derail pre-school commencement activities, such as cleaning classrooms, arranging teaching materials, and preparing timetables. Had the census concluded on May 17 as originally scheduled, there would have been a 12-day buffer to focus on academic readiness. Now, with only a few days in hand, many feel unprepared for the reopening.

Delay in Admission, Uniform & Book Distribution

The delay is also expected to hamper student admission drives, particularly in government schools, many of which have yet to start the enrollment process. Besides, arrangements for distribution of textbooks and uniforms could be affected, resulting in a chaotic start to the academic year.

“The academic year starts on May 29, and admissions should ideally be completed before that. But most government schoolteachers are tied up with caste census duties. This will impact admissions at already struggling government schools,” said Ajay Kamath, State Secretary of AIDSO (All India Democratic Students’ Organisation).

Discontent Over Low Honorarium

Adding to the frustration, teachers have expressed dissatisfaction over the honorarium announced for their work. The government has declared a flat Rs 5,000 payment, which many consider inadequate for the effort and time involved.

“We were expecting at least Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per day as compensation. But they’ve just offered Rs 5,000 for the entire period. On top of that, there’s no clarity about additional pay for the extended days from May 17 to 25,” said a teacher involved in the process.

Teachers are now demanding an additional Rs 4,000 for the extended phase of the census to reflect their time and effort accurately.

Reported by Rakesh N S