Bengaluru: 'Do you have a radio?' This routine question from census enumerators has become a symbol of the daily hurdles they encounter. The query, part of the official census form, triggered an angry reaction from a Koramangala apartment resident who deemed it irrelevant and accused enumerator Vanitha (name changed) of asking 'silly' questions.
Despite Vanitha's explanation that she was following a prescribed format, the elderly man remained upset. When she mentioned that non-cooperation could lead to legal consequences, the situation escalated, with the resident alleging intimidation. The matter was resolved after a senior Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) official and a retired colonel intervened, convincing the man to cooperate.
Enumerators say such incidents are common. Vanitha noted that resistance and frustration have become routine. 'It happens with all of us. I don't understand why he got angry about a radio question. Many people get irritated the moment we start asking questions. They seem tired of answering surveys,' she added.
For the first phase of National Census 2027, GBA deployed over 25,000 enumerators on April 16 to conduct door-to-door visits, collecting data on 33 household metrics. The census work is scheduled to end on May 15.
TOI accompanied enumerators in Koramangala 8th Block to assess the challenges. Each enumerator must cover 250 houses by May 15. Completing a survey per house takes about three minutes on average, but less in apartments where many questions are skipped.
'Our biggest problem is access. Houses are locked, or residents don't open doors due to safety concerns,' said enumerator Kumar. 'We have to revisit multiple times. Many residents are on summer vacation.' GBA officials in Koramangala are working hard to expand coverage and meet deadlines. Pet dogs also pose a challenge.
Fatigue from frequent data collection drives and back-to-back surveys in the state has made Bengalureans less receptive. 'Awareness is key, but it's lacking. People don't know about the census, and it's hard to convince them. Many dismiss us, thinking it's the caste census from earlier,' an enumerator said.
Searing summer heat, with temperatures exceeding 36°C, adds to the difficulty. 'Climbing stairs in this heat only to find a locked house tests your patience,' said another enumerator. Enumerators typically work early morning until noon, rest, and resume in the evening. They work more on weekends hoping to find residents at home. While some offer water, seats, or food, most are in a hurry to finish.
A GBA official urged, 'We request residents' welfare associations to inform residents about the importance of participating in the national census.'
