<h1>MP urges citizens to boycott state caste census, cites political motive, procedural flaws and personal data privacy risks; participation voluntary</h1> A Member of Parliament urged citizens to boycott a state-conducted Social and Educational Survey (a 'caste census'), alleging political motive, procedural flaws, illegality and inadequate protection of personal data (including identity numbers and mobile numbers), and saying participation would be refused. The survey by the State Backward Classes Commission runs from Sept 22 to Oct 7, uses a 60-question form, involves about 175,000 enumerators, aims to cover roughly 7 crore people at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore, and expects a report by December. The High Court refused to halt the exercise but ordered confidentiality of data and affirmed voluntary participation.