Reacting to the news report “Around 40 teachers get notice for skipping census, poll duty” published in these columns on Wednesday, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development)-cum-District Census Officer has issued orders relieving teachers from their routine school duties during census training and related work.
The Tribune had highlighted that many teachers were simultaneously assigned Census and municipal poll-related assignments, leading to confusion among the staff.
ADC (D) Damanjit Singh Mann issued directions regarding the deployment of teachers and other staff of the Education Department for the Census, asking the authorities concerned to relieve them from their regular duties during the training period and Census-related assignments.
The orders stated that under Section 4 of the Census Act, 1948, Census duty is mandatory and all employees assigned the task must be given priority to discharge their responsibilities efficiently.
The ADC (D) directed that employees deputed for Census work should remain relieved from routine duties from May 20 to June 13 or till the completion of training.
During this period, they should not be assigned any additional departmental work so that the Census process can be conducted smoothly.
The communication further warned that any officer or employee creating obstacles in Census work or violating provisions related to duties would face action under the Census Act.
