Paid Holiday for 84 lakh as Telangana conducts survey

So, it’s complete shutdown in Hyderabad. No, don’t worry. No one is taking out a rally under the blazing sun, or staging a hunger strike. Everyone’s under house arrest, and happily so, because of a survey that the Telangana Government is conducting. While there are certain sections hurling brickbats at the government for ‘ulterior motives’, most of the citizens are upbeat.

While the government declared a holiday on Tuesday, you wouldn’t find too many people going about their business in a hush hush fashion. In fact, most people are indoors, with even private educational institutes refraining from conducting classes. Harish Bhardwaj, Director of Abhyaas Edu Corp says, “Initially, we’d thought of having our regular morning and evening classes. But we decided against it because we were certain that there would be no transport available. Plus, it’s our duty to support the government in its endeavours.”

For others, this isn’t just a mere holiday. They’ve actually taken the step of returning to their native places for the survey, even if it meant a jam-packed schedule. Karthik Bhaish, who works for a private company, left on Monday night for his hometown Warangal, saying, “Yes, it will be hectic. But, I’m so psyched about the whole thing that I want to be a part of this historic survey.”

Buses registered maximum bookings as people didn’t hesitate to get back to their hometowns. So, yes, in terms of support from the people, this government sure seems to have it.

The survey itself was a short and hassle free process. While there were many confusions and apprehensions regarding it, it turned out to be surprisingly simple. A 5-minute survey with minimum questions asked. No one was asked to share details that they were uncomfortable divulging. Aadhar Cards, Electricity bills and bank account details were the only papers one had to produce. So sincere were the people conducting the survey, that they refused to entertain questions otherwise.

Afterall, conducting a one-day survey for 84 lakh families isn’t a joke. And by the looks of it, they look set to accomplish it.