Census 2027 in Bengaluru Faces Major Setbacks Due to Enumerator Absenteeism
The crucial house-listing phase of Census 2027 in Bengaluru has been severely disrupted by significant operational failures on the ground. Authorities are reporting poor performance and widespread absenteeism among enumerators, resulting in duplicated efforts, substantial delays, and escalating financial costs that threaten the entire exercise.
Widespread Fieldwork Failures and Duplication of Efforts
Each enumerator was assigned approximately 200 households, classified as one census block, but many have failed to complete even basic enumeration tasks. A senior official from the Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) revealed that numerous enumerators have avoided fieldwork entirely, citing extreme heat conditions and the unavailability of residents during daytime visits. Despite this, many have falsely claimed completion of their assignments while continuing to draw their monthly payments.
"This has created a cascading effect of inefficiency," the BNCC official explained. "In multiple instances, partially covered or entirely untouched blocks have been reassigned to new enumerators. These replacements, who earn approximately Rs 5,000 per month, frequently repeat the same pattern—leaving work incomplete or abandoning assignments midway through the process."
The consequence of this systemic failure is alarming: some census blocks are now being handled by up to three different enumerators, yet the actual enumeration work remains unfinished on the ground.
Financial Implications and Data Integrity Concerns
Officials from the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA), which oversees the census exercise across all five city corporations, acknowledge that these lapses have led to duplicated surveys and, in certain cases, nearly threefold expenditure compared to initial projections.
"The integrity of the census data is at serious risk if this pattern continues," a senior GBA official emphasized. "We are observing numerous instances where records are inconsistent or missing altogether, which undermines the fundamental purpose of the census exercise."
Of the 26,616 personnel deployed for the census—including 23,700 enumerators and 2,900 supervisors—nearly 6,000 are currently absent without proper authorization, creating a massive operational gap.
Administrative Response and Disciplinary Measures
In response to this crisis, GBA has implemented several corrective measures:
- Issuing show-cause notices to absent enumerators
- Initiating daily SMS and phone-call follow-ups to ensure attendance
- Warning of strict disciplinary action under the Census Act of 1948
- Implementing a "no work, no pay" policy for defaulters
- Preparing break-in-service orders and potential FIR filings against persistent offenders
GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao delivered an ultimatum: "All personnel must report to duty immediately. Failure to comply will invite formal action beginning April 24, and no blanket exemptions will be entertained."
Additional Challenges and Broader Implications
The situation has also raised concerns among employees with disabilities, who have formally petitioned for exemptions from field duties. While limited relief has been granted to those with mobility challenges, broader accommodation requests remain under active consideration by authorities.
With the census exercise scheduled to continue from April 16 through May 15, officials warn that unless accountability mechanisms are significantly strengthened and enumerator performance improves dramatically, both the credibility of the collected data and the responsible use of public funds could be severely compromised.
The ongoing challenges highlight the critical need for improved supervision, better working conditions for field staff, and more robust verification systems to ensure the accuracy and reliability of India's decadal population count in its technology capital.
