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Private Individuals Can Now Serve as Census Enumerators; Centre Introduces Significant Rule Change
Nagpur: As preparations for the upcoming national census get underway, the Central Government has taken a significant decision. It will now be possible to appoint not only government employees but also private individuals as census enumerators. On October 16, 2026, the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner—under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs—notified the Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026. These new rules significantly broaden the scope for the appointment of census enumerators. Who is included under the new rules? According to the updated regulations, the following individuals may be appointed as enumerators:
Teachers from government institutions, local self-government bodies, and both aided and unaided private educational institutions, societies, or trusts.
Clerks and officers from the Central Government, State Governments, local authorities, or other establishments (including public sector undertakings, statutory bodies, banks, companies, organizations, societies, and trusts).
Any other individual deemed suitable by the State Government or the administration of a Union Territory.
Notably, the State Government or the administration of a Union Territory is granted the discretion to select any person they consider appropriate to serve as an enumerator. Why was this decision taken? The census process requires a massive workforce. Given the need for lakhs of enumerators, relying solely on government employees was becoming practically difficult. Consequently, it was decided to clarify the rules and include qualified individuals from the private sector—such as teachers—along with others. This decision has been taken under Section 18(1) of the Census Act, 1948, and has come into effect following its publication in the Official Gazette. This move is expected to play a crucial role in making the upcoming census process—in Maharashtra (including Nagpur) and across the entire country—more efficient and expeditious.
Nagpur: As preparations for the upcoming national census get underway, the Central Government has taken a significant decision. It will now be possible to appoint not only government employees but also private individuals as census enumerators. On October 16, 2026, the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner—under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs—notified the Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026. These new rules significantly broaden the scope for the appointment of census enumerators. Who is included under the new rules? According to the updated regulations, the following individuals may be appointed as enumerators:
Teachers from government institutions, local self-government bodies, and both aided and unaided private educational institutions, societies, or trusts.
Clerks and officers from the Central Government, State Governments, local authorities, or other establishments (including public sector undertakings, statutory bodies, banks, companies, organizations, societies, and trusts).
Any other individual deemed suitable by the State Government or the administration of a Union Territory.
Notably, the State Government or the administration of a Union Territory is granted the discretion to select any person they consider appropriate to serve as an enumerator. Why was this decision taken? The census process requires a massive workforce. Given the need for lakhs of enumerators, relying solely on government employees was becoming practically difficult. Consequently, it was decided to clarify the rules and include qualified individuals from the private sector—such as teachers—along with others. This decision has been taken under Section 18(1) of the Census Act, 1948, and has come into effect following its publication in the Official Gazette. This move is expected to play a crucial role in making the upcoming census process—in Maharashtra (including Nagpur) and across the entire country—more efficient and expeditious.
Teachers from government institutions, local self-government bodies, and both aided and unaided private educational institutions, societies, or trusts.
Clerks and officers from the Central Government, State Governments, local authorities, or other establishments (including public sector undertakings, statutory bodies, banks, companies, organizations, societies, and trusts).
Any other individual deemed suitable by the State Government or the administration of a Union Territory.
Notably, the State Government or the administration of a Union Territory is granted the discretion to select any person they consider appropriate to serve as an enumerator. Why was this decision taken? The census process requires a massive workforce. Given the need for lakhs of enumerators, relying solely on government employees was becoming practically difficult. Consequently, it was decided to clarify the rules and include qualified individuals from the private sector—such as teachers—along with others. This decision has been taken under Section 18(1) of the Census Act, 1948, and has come into effect following its publication in the Official Gazette. This move is expected to play a crucial role in making the upcoming census process—in Maharashtra (including Nagpur) and across the entire country—more efficient and expeditious.
