Survey leaves students red-faced

Forced to work without food: Students

Hyderabad: The students who took part in one of its kind household survey in the country with zeal and zest were left red faced, as they were not given remuneration as promised by the Telangana government.

Over 3,000 students were handpicked from various colleges in Hyderabad as enumerator’s assistant for survey in the city. The students were promised remuneration and meals for three consecutive days. However, when the students asked for the same, they were denied.

A student who pleaded anonymity disclosed, “We were told that Rs 500 per day, food and certificate would be given to us. However, when we asked for remuneration the officials gave vague answers.”

Another student said, “I was informed that Rs 900 for three days would be given at the end of the survey. But when I approached my supervisor, at first he said that only Rs 50 per day would be given. Later, he told me to collect Rs 150 per day as remuneration from college management.”

A lecturer from Dr BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), who took part in the survey, said that he had to shell out money as the government officials did not provide food for the students as promised.

“All the shops were shut down due to the survey. We were forced to survive on tea and snacks provided by the households,” he lamented.

“Although the work is same, remuneration was different. A few students were promised Rs 500, and a few others were told that they would be given Rs 300. However, at the end of the day, not even a penny was paid to the students,” a degree student said.