In one of the first such instances, the Haryana administration has recommended the registration of a first information report (FIR) against two government school staff for alleged negligence in Census-related work and for obstructing government duties. The Census Act allows for up to three years’ imprisonment for such offences.
The criminal action comes even as Census enumerators, mostly government school teachers, complained of hostile behaviour and denial of entry by residents of highrise apartment buildings and residents welfare associations (RWAs).
Lapses in duty by Census officials can invite three years in prison
On Thursday (May 7, 2026), Gurugram Municipal Corporation Joint Commissioner and Census Nodal Officer Punit Kumar said that Census enumerators had been denied entry to several housing societies despite showing their identity cards. He said he has informed all RWAs and managements of housing societies that the government has deputed officers and enumerators for Census work and directed that they be allowed to carry out their work.
“Several enumerators had this complaint that gated societies were not letting them enter to do the Census related field work. Following this, I have written to all RWAs that they should be allowed entry in the societies, after verifying the identity cards and authorisation letter. The Census work is being carried out in public interest,” Mr. Kumar told The Hindu.
