Teachers at private unaided schools and employees of banks and private companies can now be appointed as census Enumerators. The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026 through notification G.S.R. 896(E), published today.
The amendment replaces the list in Rule 3 of the Census Rules, 1990 that says who can be appointed as an Enumerator, the official who goes door to door collecting census data. The new list expressly names unaided private institutions, banks and companies. It also gives State Governments open-ended power to pick “any person” they consider suitable.
The rules came into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. They were signed by Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner.
Who can now be made an Enumerator
Under the substituted entries against serial number 5 of the Table in Rule 3, three categories of people can be appointed.
| Category | Who it covers |
| Teachers | Teachers of any educational institution of the Government, a local authority, aided or unaided privatebodies, societies or trusts |
| Clerks and officials | Clerks or any official of the Central Government, State Government, local authority or establishment, including PSUs, statutory bodies, banks, companies, institutions, societies and trusts |
| Any suitable person | Anyone the State Government or Union Territory Administration considers suitable to work as an Enumerator |
The second category is the broadest. The word “establishment” combined with “companies” means staff of private firms are now expressly within the pool.
Why this matters
The change gives district census authorities a much larger workforce to draw from ahead of Census 2027. A national headcount needs lakhs of Enumerators, and states have long leaned on government school teachers for the job.
- Private school teachers can now be formally requisitioned, not just their counterparts in government schools.
- Bank and corporate employees are expressly named, through the words “banks” and “companies”.
- State Governments get wide discretion. The “any person” clause lets a state appoint someone outside all the listed groups.
The notification is issued under Section 18(1) of the Census Act, 1948, which empowers the Centre to make rules. It is the fifth amendment to the Census Rules, 1990, after changes in 1994, 2009, 2018 and 2022.
Can you refuse census duty?
Generally, no. Once a person is validly appointed as a census officer under the Census Act, 1948, performing the duty is a legal obligation, not a request.
- The Act makes census service compulsory for those appointed, and treats census officers as public servants.
- Refusing to act, or neglecting the duty without lawful excuse, can attract penalties under the Act.
- Genuine grounds such as serious illness or other lawful excuse can be placed before the appointing authority in writing.
Anyone facing a requisition should read the appointment order carefully and seek legal advice on their specific case.
What employers and employees should do now
Private schools, banks and companies:
- Expect requisitions from the District Magistrate or district census office asking for staff lists or staff to be released.
- Plan cover for teaching and branch work during the census period.
- Keep a record of every requisition received and every employee released.
Employees:
- Check that your appointment order is in writing and names the authority issuing it.
- Attend the training sessions you are called to.
- If you have a genuine difficulty, raise it in writing with the appointing authority before the duty begins.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026? Rules notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 16 October 2026 through G.S.R. 896(E). They amend Rule 3 of the Census Rules, 1990 to widen who can be appointed as an Enumerator.
Can private school teachers be put on census duty? Yes. Teachers of unaided private institutions run by private bodies, societies or trusts are now expressly included.
Can bank employees be made Enumerators? Yes. Clerks and officials of banks, companies, PSUs and statutory bodies are expressly covered.
When do the new rules apply? From the date of publication in the Official Gazette, 16 October 2026.
Who decides which person is appointed? The State Government or Union Territory Administration, which can also appoint any other person it considers suitable.
Under which law is the notification issued? Section 18(1) of the Census Act, 1948, by the Office of the Registrar General of India (File No. 9/79/2010-CD (Cen) P-1).
Disclaimer: This article explains a government notification for general information. It is not legal advice.
