The RGI has directed the State and Union Territory directorates to maintain 24x7 social media monitoring cells to track digital as the second phase of the Census — Population Enumeration — will begin in various States soon
Against the backdrop of concerns over the regular functioning of constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission of India (ECI), and the possibility of rumours vitiating official exercises, the Registrar General of India (RGI) is preparing to counter misleading narratives as it gears up for population enumeration in several States. The RGI’s move comes amid a spate of protests last week over the EC’s voter list revision exercise.
The RGI has directed the State and Union Territory directorates to maintain 24x7 social media monitoring cells to track digital discussions and enable authorities to publish rebuttals and fact-checks in real time as the second phase of the Census — Population Enumeration — will begin in various States soon.
In a letter to all States and Union territories, RGI Mritunjay Kumar Narayan said the RGI will undertake a publicity campaign at different levels. He also said a tableau may be showcased during next year’s Republic Day, subject to approval from the Defence Ministry.
“For the successful enumeration in Phase-II, it is crucial that adequate publicity measures, similar to the HLO phase, are undertaken to raise awareness among people about the importance of the Census exercise and its utility in shaping the nation. Such efforts also establish rapport with people, ensuring a warm and positive reception for enumerators during household visits,” he said.
The directive comes as preparations for the population enumeration phase accelerate after the completion of house-listing operations. The campaign will seek to inform people about the questions the enumerators will ask during household visits, explain how to complete the digital self-enumeration module and reassure the respondents that the information provided by them is legally confidential under the Census Act.
The planned publicity drive will combine national mass-media advertising with state-level campaigns and district-level outreach. The RGI has also outlined a clear segregation of publicity modes across administrative levels to ensure a comprehensive 360-degree media coverage without duplication, to the extent possible.
The State and Union Territory directorates will launch state-specific organic publicity tailored to regional requirements, the letter said. “DCOs are advised to maintain effective 24/7 social media monitoring cells to track digital narratives around-the-clock for any adverse comments, false narratives, or local misinterpretations, so that authoritative rebuttals and fact-checks can be published in real time through state/UT machinery,” it said.
The Census, the eighth since Independence, is being conducted in two phases -- the first stage is known as house listing and housing census, and the second stage is the population enumeration. The decennial exercise, scheduled for 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 11,718 crore to conduct the Census, the biggest headcount exercise.
Population enumeration in Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand (barring the snow-bound areas of the hill state) will take place from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027, because of the Assembly polls due in these states. The Centre has deferred the house-listing operations for Census 2027 in Manipur, according to a notification issued by the RGI last month.