After a gap of 10 years, the Census is set to return with a new feature, self-enumeration. The initiative allows people to submit their census details online on their own instead of waiting for an enumerator to visit their homes and collect the information. The process is aimed at making enumeration quicker, easier, and more convenient for both citizens and enumerators.
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But while the government has introduced a digital option, an important question remains: how many people actually know about self-enumeration?
To understand the level of awareness, GPlus took to the streets of Guwahati and spoke to people about the new process. We asked whether they had heard about self-enumeration, whether they had started filling in their details and whether they believed an online census would make the process easier or create new challenges.
Here is what Guwahatians had to say.
PERSON 1:
“Yes, I am doing it. The website is working properly overall, although there is some minor disturbance with the server at times. Apart from that, the process is quite smooth and easy to follow.
“I feel self-enumeration is a good initiative because it saves the time and effort of both citizens and enumerators. Instead of an enumerator visiting every household and collecting the information, people can provide their details themselves online. It makes the process more convenient and can also make enumeration faster.”
PERSON 2:
“I had not heard about self-enumeration before. I came to know about it only today. If the government has introduced this initiative, I think it is a good step and could work effectively.
“Having the data stored digitally could also make it easier to access whenever required. However, I feel there is very little awareness among people about the process. The media has an important role to play in informing the public, while the government should also take stronger steps to spread awareness.
“At the same time, people need to know which is the official website. Otherwise, while submitting personal information online, they could become vulnerable to misleading platforms, scams or cybercrime. Awareness about the process and the correct platform is therefore very important.”
PERSON 3:
“Yes, I have heard about self-enumeration, although I have not started the process yet. I am not sure whether everyone will be able to complete it online easily.
“Many people still face difficulties even while making basic online payments. So, expecting everyone to independently complete an online census process may be challenging. People who are not familiar with digital platforms could face problems while entering their information or navigating the website.
“Therefore, while self-enumeration is convenient for people who are comfortable with technology, the government should also think about how to support those who may struggle with the online process.”
PERSON 4:
“No, I had not heard about self-enumeration before. I feel the Census is an important process for the country, and it should ideally continue to involve the traditional method of visiting households.
“While the online system is definitely convenient and can save time, I think a house-to-house approach is important to ensure that everyone is included. Not everyone may have access to the internet or be comfortable using online platforms.
“So, although self-enumeration can be a useful option, the traditional method should also remain important to make sure that no one is left out.”
PERSON 5:
“I do not have much knowledge about self-enumeration at the moment, so I would not like to give a definite opinion about it.
“However, I am interested in understanding how the process works and what people are expected to do. I think more information and awareness are needed so that people can understand the process before deciding whether to use it.”
PERSON 6:
“I do not really know what self-enumeration means or how the process works. However, if I compare the online system with the traditional method, I feel the offline method may be more reliable.
“An online process could create difficulties for people who are not familiar with technology or do not have proper access to the internet. There could also be errors while entering information online.
“The traditional house-to-house method, where an enumerator directly collects the details, may therefore be more dependable in ensuring that everyone’s information is recorded correctly.”
The reactions from the streets of Guwahati show that awareness about self-enumeration remains mixed. While some residents have already started the process and see it as a convenient and time-saving initiative, others are hearing about it for the first time.
For those familiar with digital platforms, self-enumeration appears to offer a simpler way to provide census details without waiting for an enumerator. But concerns around digital literacy, internet access, technical difficulties, data security and the possibility of errors remain.
The responses also highlight that introducing a digital option is only one part of the process. Making people aware of what self-enumeration is, how it works and where they should access it is equally important.
As the Census returns after a decade with a new digital component, the challenge is not only to make the process technologically easier but also to ensure that people across different sections of society understand and can use it. For that to happen, greater public awareness, clear guidance and support for those less comfortable with technology will be crucial.
