Gujarat Govt. backs survey

By Manas Dasgupta

GANDHINAGAR, JAN. 19. After the controversy over permitting its employees to participate in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the BJP Government in Gujarat has landed in yet another controversy by allegedly backing up a survey by a private charitable trust to record the religious and marital status of the Scheduled Caste Government employees.

The survey by the Shree Guru Dattaray Charitable Trust, which works for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes in the State, is claimed to have received financial support from the Keshubhai Patel Government after a similar proposal was rejected by the previous Shankarsinh Waghela Ministry.

The survey, which would be part of a lengthy research work on the history, social and financial progress and various other facets of the Backward Classes in the State, would also include whether any Scheduled Caste employees or any of their immediate family members had converted to any other religion. The researchers would also ask questions on inter-caste or inter-State marriages in their families.

The State Government is claimed to have sanctioned Rs. 4.19 lakhs for the project of which Rs. 1 lakh had already been paid to the Trust. A State Government spokesman said that other than the financial assistance, the Government was not participating in the survey.

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Section  : National
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