Counting no-shows: Absenteeism, 3x cost overruns hit house-listing in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The ongoing house-listing phase of Census 2027 in Bengaluru has been hit by serious lapses on the ground, with officials flagging poor performance and widespread absenteeism of enumerators, leading to duplication of work, delays and escalating costs."Each enumerator is assigned roughly 200 households — classified as one block — but the authorities say many have failed to complete even the basic enumeration. Citing extreme heat and the unavailability of residents during daytime visits, several enumerators have reportedly avoided fieldwork altogether, while still claiming completion and drawing payments," said a senior Bengaluru North city corporation (BNCC) official."This has triggered a cascading effect. In multiple instances, partially covered or entirely untouched blocks have been reassigned to new enumerators. These replacements, paid around Rs 5,000 per month, often repeat the same pattern — leaving work incomplete or abandoning assignments midway. As a result, a single block is in some cases being handled by up to three enumerators, even as enumeration on the ground remains unfinished," the official added.Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA) officials admit that such lapses have led to duplication of surveys and, in certain cases, nearly threefold expenditure. "The integrity of the data is at risk if this continues. We are seeing instances where records are inconsistent or missing altogether," a senior official said, underscoring the urgent need for tighter supervision.GBA, which is overseeing the exercise across the five city corporations, has taken a stern view of the situation. Of the 26,616 personnel deployed — including 23,700 enumerators and 2,900 supervisors — nearly 6,000 are currently absent without authorisation.In response, GBA has issued show-cause notices and initiated daily SMS and phone-call follow-ups to ensure attendance. It has also warned of strict disciplinary action under the Census Act, 1948, including a "no work, no pay" policy, break-in-service orders and the filing of FIRs against persistent defaulters."All personnel must report to duty immediately. Failure to comply will invite formal action from April 24," GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao told TOI, adding that no blanket exemptions will be entertained.The situation has also sparked concern among employees with disabilities, who have petitioned for exemptions from field duties. While limited relief has been granted to those unable to walk, broader demands remain under consideration.With the census exercise scheduled between April 16 and May 15, officials warn that unless accountability mechanisms are tightened and enumerator performance improves, both the credibility of the data and public funds could be severely compromised.(inputs from Nyasa Gupta)——Not a great going -Many enumerators have failed to finish assigned household surveys, leading to repeated assignments and duplication of effort-Due to reassignment and inefficiencies, some census blocks are being handled multiple times, pushing expenses to nearly three times the expected cost-Officials warn of inconsistent or missing records, raising serious concerns about the reliability of the census data-Authorities have issued show-cause notices and warned of legal action erring officials ———- QuoteIn multiple instances, partially covered or entirely untouched blocks have been reassigned to new enumerators. These replacements, paid around Rs 5,000 per month, often repeat the same pattern — leaving work incomplete or abandoning assignments midway-A BNCC official
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