The MC Commissioner-cum-Principal Census Officer has taken serious note of officials and employees who remained absent from Census-related duties despite repeated instructions, official reminders and mandatory training sessions conducted by the administration.
Acting firmly on the matter, Principal Census Officer-cum-Municipal Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill has written to the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, recommending the registration of FIRs under relevant provisions of the Census Act, 1948, against employees who failed to report for assigned Census duties without valid justification.
In addition, directions have been issued to officials of the Education Department to attach the salaries of staff members who remained absent from Census duty.
The administration stated that Census work is a matter of national importance and that negligence, deliberate absence or non-cooperation in the execution of Census-related assignments adversely affects planning, governance, welfare schemes and policy formulation at both the state and Central Government levels.
According to official communication, several employees deputed as Census Supervisors failed to join duty despite repeated telephonic reminders and written communications issued by the department.
The MC clarified that dereliction of Census duty would not be tolerated under any circumstances. The administration warned that strict disciplinary and legal action would be initiated against all defaulting officials.
Officials stated that the administration is committed to ensuring the smooth, transparent and timely conduct of Census operations in the city and that every employee assigned duty is legally bound to cooperate under the provisions of the Census Act.
The MC Commissioner has also initiated action against MC officials for dereliction of duty. The civic body further appealed to all officials and staff deputed for Census work to immediately report for duty, attend pending training sessions and fully cooperate with the administration to avoid punitive action.
