India Expands Census Enumerator Eligibility to Private School Teachers

The Government of India amended the Census Rules, 1990, on October 16, 2026, to broaden the eligibility criteria for census enumerators. Under the new Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026, the government can now appoint teachers from government, local authority, and both aided and unaided private educational institutions. The expanded pool also includes clerks and officials from central and state governments, public sector undertakings, banks, and statutory bodies.

These regulatory changes address previous legal challenges regarding the statutory authority to compel service from private employees. The Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Allahabad High Court had previously issued stays on government orders seeking to requisition private school staff. In one instance, the Haryana Progressive Schools Conference challenged the government's authority to mandate such duties.

State governments and Union Territory administrations retain the power to appoint any other individuals they consider suitable for the role. The Ministry of Home Affairs notified the amendments under the Census Act, 1948, with the official notification issued by the Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner.