MCG seeks FIRs against 13 enumerators over census duties

Gurgaon: MCG has recommended registration of FIRs against 13 census enumerators, accusing them of skipping mandatory training, remaining absent from assigned work and failing to carry out responsibilities critical to the national count.MCG officials said the proposed action followed repeated instances of non-cooperation that disrupted census operations and held up govt work. Of the 13 cases, eight enumerators did not attend mandatory training sessions held in April. Those named include employees from banks, the postal department, schools and anganwadi services.Complaints filed by zonal taxation officers alleged that the employees had been formally appointed as enumerators and asked to attend scheduled training and complete assigned tasks within a fixed timeline. Despite this, several allegedly stayed away from training and did not perform census work.Officials said the conduct amounted not only to negligence towards govt duty but also obstruction of official work. “The police stations concerned have been requested to take necessary legal action and submit an action taken report. We have made it clear that any negligence, absence or obstruction in an important national exercise like the census will be taken seriously,” MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya said.The civic body has written to multiple police stations seeking action under Section 11 of the Census Act, 1948, which provides for punishment for refusing to perform census duty or obstructing census work. Officials said the offence can attract imprisonment of up to three years if proved.MCG has urged all appointed employees and officials to carry out census work with full responsibility so the exercise can be completed in a time-bound, transparent and smooth manner.