The Gurgaon district administration has announced the establishment of a dedicated control room to support census enumerators encountering difficulties during fieldwork. This decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Haryana Census Director Lalit Jain on Thursday.
Access challenges in gated colonies
The move comes in response to persistent problems faced by enumerators in gaining entry into gated colonies and high-rise societies. Despite repeated appeals from officials urging Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to cooperate, workers have frequently reported resistance or outright denial of access, even after presenting identity cards and authorization letters. This has hampered their work, often forcing them to return without completing their tasks.
Officials noted that many residential societies enforce strict rules restricting the entry of outsiders, creating significant hurdles for census enumerators. One enumerator stated, "I am unable to meet my daily targets because most societies only allow entry during fixed hours, and even then, residents prefer online forms that do not exist."
Workers often struggle to convince security personnel that they belong to the census department. Some workers said that even when they gain entry, residents are reluctant to share details, assuming the exercise is linked to taxation or welfare eligibility. "People fear misuse of their data and question why the census is happening digitally," said another enumerator.
Helpline for immediate resolution
Taking cognizance of these issues, Jain announced that the control room helpline, modeled on the state's 1855 toll-free number, will allow census staff to report entry issues, technical delays, and on-ground challenges for immediate resolution. Jain emphasized that the digital, app-based census requires faster troubleshooting and real-time coordination.
The census department has also urged RWAs and private security agencies to cooperate fully, stating that the census "cannot move forward if doors remain closed to those carrying out a national duty."
Verification measures
Jain stressed that every enumerator will carry authorized ID cards and a scannable verification code, making their identity easy to confirm. "We want societies to feel secure, but not at the cost of obstructing a constitutional exercise," he said, adding that census data forms the backbone of future welfare schemes, infrastructure planning, and resource allocation.
Describing the census as a "national responsibility," Jain told officials that digital enumeration, with mobile app-based data entry, demands faster troubleshooting than before. "If an enumerator is stuck at a society gate for an hour or faces a technical challenge, it reflects in the final timelines. The control room must respond instantly," he said.
Residents express concerns
Residents, however, insisted that the restrictions are for safety. An RWA member of a society in Sector 83 said, "We welcome the census, but verification of identity is essential. We cannot allow anyone to walk in without checking." Residents in a few societies also suggested that the government should issue clear guidelines to avoid confusion about the process.
Vijay Yadav, RWA president of Vipul World, noted that due to the rise in crime, residents naturally feel apprehensive about outsiders. "Census officials should plan their visits with prior information to the RWA," he added, "so we can inform residents in advance about the purpose of the visit."
