In accordance with the Centre's directive to refrain from transferring officials and staff assigned to Census duty until March 31, 2027, the Karnataka government is gathering details of employees from various departments before making a final decision on the matter, likely next week.
Massive Workforce for Census
Nearly 1.5 lakh government employees are expected to be involved in the second phase of population enumeration, which is scheduled to be conducted in February 2027. The state government employees' association has confirmed that the Centre instructed the state against transfers during this period.
CS Shadakshari, president of the Karnataka State Government Employees' Association, stated, "Employees are now awaiting a final government order."
Transfer Policy and Census Preparations
Typically, state government employees are transferred after a two- or three-year stint in a posting, usually during summer holidays. The duration of a posting varies from one department to another. However, the upcoming Census has prompted a freeze on such moves.
In an official communication issued by the revenue department (disaster management and services) on May 20, authorities were directed to submit details of trained and deployed census officials by May 23. The communication was sent to deputy commissioners of all districts, the chief commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, commissioners of the five corporations under GBA, and commissioners of all urban local bodies.
Census 2027 Phases
According to the communication, the first of two phases of Census 2027 has been concluded in Karnataka. The self-enrollment process took place from April 1 to 15, while houselisting and housing census activities were carried out from April 16 to May 15.
To streamline preparations, the state has asked authorities to furnish details of trained and deployed census officials within three days.
About the Author
Santosh Kumar RB is an Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 19 years of journalistic experience. He spent more than a decade reporting on crime and has also covered civic issues and urban infrastructure. Currently, he focuses on politics and public policy, bringing depth and insight into his reporting.
