The Centre has amended the Census Rules, 1990, to allow states and union territories to appoint teachers from aided or unaided private educational institutions as enumerators for the Census 2027. This change addresses legal challenges that had prevented private school teachers from being requisitioned for census duties.
- Teachers from aided and unaided private schools can now be appointed as census enumerators.
- The amendment follows high court rulings protecting private school staff from compulsory census work.
- The Census 2027 will be conducted in phases, with a budget of Rs 11,718 crore approved by the Union Cabinet.
- Population enumeration will occur from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027, in most states.
- House-listing operations have been deferred in some regions due to elections and weather conditions.
What changes have been made to the Census Rules regarding enumerators?
The Registrar General of India issued a gazette notification allowing state governments and union territories to appoint teachers, clerks, or any suitable persons from government, local authorities, aided or unaided private bodies, societies, or trusts as census officers. This amendment explicitly includes teachers from private educational institutions, which was not clearly permitted before.
Why was this amendment necessary?
Several high courts had stayed government orders that requisitioned teachers from aided or unaided private schools for census duties. Petitions argued that private school staff do not fall under the definition of "local authority" in the Census Act, 1948, and therefore cannot be compelled to serve as enumerators or supervisors. The amendment clarifies the legal position and allows states to appoint such teachers voluntarily.
What legal challenges were raised by private schools?
In Haryana, the Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed government communications seeking private unaided school teachers for census duty. The petitioners argued the government lacked statutory authority to requisition private school staff. Similarly, the Allahabad High Court stayed orders requiring teaching and non-teaching staff from aided and unaided institutions to participate in census work, stating they do not fall within the scope of local authorities.
How have courts ruled on the involvement of private school staff in census duties?
Courts, including the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, have consistently held that teachers and non-teaching staff of aided or unaided schools cannot be deputed for census or election work. These rulings protect private school employees from compulsory service in government exercises like the census.
When and how will Census 2027 be conducted?
Census 2027, the eighth since India's independence, will be conducted in two phases: house-listing and housing census, followed by population enumeration. The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 11,718 crore for the exercise. Population enumeration will take place from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027, in most states, excluding snow-bound regions and states with upcoming assembly elections. House-listing operations have been deferred in Manipur and some other regions due to elections and weather.
What data will the census collect?
The census will gather demographic, socio-cultural, and economic data, including migration and fertility characteristics of individuals in each household. This comprehensive data collection will help in planning and policy-making at various government levels.
