TS Deputy CM Mahmood clears air on mega survey

says It is to ensure State benefits reach only the eligible

The day 19th August is a topic of discussion in the homes of the rich as well as the ordinary, restaurants, offices, canteens etc. ‘Samagra Kutumba Survey’ by the newly formed TRS government is intended to weed out bogus cards and ensure that the benefits of the welfare schemes reach the poor and the needy. At the same time people are confused, lost and worried. There abound ambiguities about the whole exercise and why certain details are needed which are no way connected. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali, who is also Minister of Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation and Stamps and Registration gives clarity in an interview to Lata Jain:

What is the idea behind this survey? Are you targeting a particular group?
We want to weed out the bogus ration cards and ensure that the welfare schemes do not reach the wrong people. The welfare schemes of the government are for the poor and those below the poverty level but we are aware that they are reaching the wrong people.

What is the idea behind asking bank account number?
We want to know how many people hold accounts in the bank.

So why account number, don't your asking bank account number give a sense of insecurity?
There is a point: we only want to know if the individual has a bank account. If we have ulterior motives, we would have asked for several bank accounts, if an individual has. We asked only for one account number but you have a point we will ask only if they have an account in any bank and not account number.

What is the idea of finding out the details of the number of cars, property ownership, etc?
It is only to understand if you belong to a rich, middle class or lower middle class family.

By asking these details are you not causing a sense of insecurity to the upper middle class?
We will not divulge this information to any other financial institution.

But indirectly it amounts to that
There are reports that several rich people who drop their children in Innova cars are taking the benefits of the schemes of fees, ration and medical reimbursement. To curtail this we will need these details. But we assure the law-abiding citizens that we have no ulterior motives.

In the same manner several people who were caught with cash during elections in spite of all documentary evidence were forced to pay advance tax and made to run from pillar to post. How can we trust you?
Our questionnaire would give you our motives and our performance should give you the assurance.

Even middle class and lower middle class families can afford air-conditioners. What is the idea of knowing if we have an AC fitted?
You are right, ACs hardly cost much we will recheck this clause.

Where do we get the proof of migrating from some state in 1950s?
You will have to show some kind of proof.

What if we do not have any proof?
We shall rethink on the proof based on this exercise.