Daltonganj: As Jharkhand prepares for the first phase of its census beginning Friday with a 15-day self-enumeration process, officials have urged residents to remain vigilant against potential cyber fraud.
Digital Census Process Raises Cybersecurity Concerns
This year, the entire census process is being conducted digitally for the first time. Principal District Census Officer and Palamu Deputy Commissioner Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat warned, "Cyber fraudsters may attempt to deceive people during the first phase of houselisting by sending fake links. We appeal to everyone to exercise caution."
Self-Enumeration and Houselisting Schedule
The first phase of houselisting will commence on May 16 and conclude on June 14. From May 1 to 15, self-enumeration will allow residents to submit their details digitally on their own. Officials emphasized that during these processes, no personal information such as Aadhaar card numbers, PAN, or bank account details should be disclosed. "If anyone asks for such details, be cautious and report it to the authorities," Shekhawat added. He also clarified that no OTP is required at any stage of the census.
Future Houseless Households Listing
Following the first phase, houseless households—those without a roof, living in hume pipes, under road bridges, railway stations, or bus stands—will be listed later, likely in February 2027, when the headcount will begin.
Deployment of Enumerators and Supervisors
District Census Officer Kundan Kumar announced that a team of 3,816 enumerators and 722 supervisors will be deployed for the first phase of census operations starting May 16.
