PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
A case was lodged on Saturday against several government employees in Dehradun for remaining absent from census 2027 duty and training programmes. According to an official complaint sent by the Census Office of Municipal Corporation Dehradun (MCD) to Kotwali police station, the absent staff failed to attend repeated training sessions arranged for census work.
Officials said that the officer in-charge appointed for census 2027 in the MCD area had deployed officers and employees from different departments for census duty under the provisions of the Census Act 1948. These employees were required to attend training and collect their deployment orders and census material kits.
However, about 12 employees from district supply office/Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) did not attend the scheduled training sessions. After their first absence, the administration again organised re-training from April 21 to 23. A one day training programme was also held on April 30. Another extra training session was arranged on May 4 to give one final chance to those who were earlier absent.
Despite several opportunities, the officials said some personnel still did not attend the final training session. They also did not collect their appointment orders or census kits. It was further stated in the complaint that even after being contacted over phone, they failed to cooperate with the administration.
The police have registered the FIR against the 12 employees under the Census Act 1948. Under the law, any person assigned census duty who refuses to perform work, neglects responsibilities or obstructs the census process can face legal action. The Act provides for a fine of up to Rs 1,000 and imprisonment of up to three years in some cases.
The complaint has also been sent to the Dehradun district magistrate, Census Directorate, Uttarakhand, municipal commissioner and other department heads for further action.
