<h1>Commission criticises leaders for discouraging voluntary caste survey participation, warning such claims undermine public-interest policymaking</h1> A state Backward Classes Commission criticised opposition leaders for discouraging public participation in an ongoing voluntary social and educational (caste) survey, saying such statements undermine the survey's public-interest purpose of informing welfare schemes. The commission noted a court direction that enumerators must not persuade or pressure those who decline. A district official warned against rumours (e.g., ration-card cancellation) and urged participation; a central minister raised data-security and overcollection concerns. Some contested religious-subcategory entries were removed after political objections. The survey's stated legal footing emphasizes voluntary participation and use of data for policymaking.