National Census: Enumerators cite pending pay, area allotment issues

With the house-listing phase I of the National Census 2027 set to begin from April 16, enumerators from Bengaluru, say they are yet to receive full payment for their work during the Karnataka government’s Socio-Educational Survey that was concluded in October, 2025, even as they are being assigned fresh duties.

Several enumerators said they were being asked to take up Census work without pending dues being cleared, forcing many to once again spend money from their own pockets. They also flagged that, unlike during the earlier survey, they have not been given the option to choose their blocks this time. Many said they have been assigned areas over 10 km away from where they live or work, adding to their travel time and expenses.