THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 1: As Jharkhand prepares for the first phase of Census 2026, the Palamu district administration has stepped up efforts to promote self-enumeration during the initial 15-day houselisting and house census exercise. Principal District Census Officer and Deputy Commissioner Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat has urged residents to actively participate, calling it a step that fosters a sense of national responsibility.
The self-enumeration process requires households to digitally fill out a simple 33-point information form. Officials say the process is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, with enumerators also scheduled to visit households to assist in data collection.
Strong Warning Against Cyber Fraud
Amid growing concerns over digital scams, Shekhawat has issued a strong advisory cautioning residents against sharing sensitive personal information. He emphasised that Aadhaar numbers, PAN details, and bank account information are not required for the census process. Households have also been strictly advised not to share One-Time Passwords (OTPs) under any circumstances.
The warning aims to prevent cyber fraudsters from exploiting the census exercise through deceptive tactics. “People must remain alert and not fall into any trap in the name of houselisting and census,” Shekhawat reiterated.
Awareness Still Limited Among Residents
A ground-level interaction with residents revealed limited awareness about the process. Six out of ten people said they had only heard about the census exercise but were unclear about how to participate. Many were unsure whether they needed to visit government offices or camps.
Residents expressed relief upon learning that enumerators would visit households, eliminating the need for them to travel. The administration hopes that clearer communication will improve participation in the coming days.
Public Suggestions to Improve Outreach
Feedback from residents highlighted several measures to strengthen awareness and participation. Many suggested involving school students—especially those in upper primary, secondary, and Class 12—as information carriers. Regular classroom discussions on the census could help students inform their families at home.
There was also a call to remind households that providing accurate information is both a social and moral responsibility. Residents stressed that trust must be built by assuring privacy and confidentiality of the data collected.
Need for Trust-Building by Enumerators
People emphasised that enumerators should adopt a friendly and transparent approach while collecting information. The process, they said, should feel like a cooperative interaction rather than an interrogation.
Officials noted that enumerators are accountable for their conduct. Under Section 11 of the Census Rules, penalties—including fines or imprisonment—can be imposed on those who obstruct census work or collect information improperly.
Residents also pointed to the potential role of Sakhi Mandals (women’s self-help groups) in spreading awareness. With over two lakh members in Palamu, these groups have deep connections within local communities and could act as effective ambassadors for the census drive.
Challenges in Special Areas
Certain challenges are also expected, particularly in areas like Hussainabad, where a sizeable population of sex workers lives in temporary structures. Since the definition of a household often depends on shared living arrangements such as a common kitchen, enumerating such populations may require special attention.
Responding to feedback, Shekhawat said that conducting interactive sessions in schools is “worth consideration” and could significantly improve awareness.
With the first phase underway, the district administration is focusing on increasing participation, ensuring data accuracy, and safeguarding residents against fraud—key factors for the smooth conduct of Census 2026.
