The CPI(M) has sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murmu, demanding the withdrawal of amendments to the rules governing the recruitment of personnel for the census. In a letter to the President, the party’s General Secretary, M. A. Baby, alleged that the recent amendments introduced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs have raised serious questions regarding the impartiality and credibility of the census, as well as the confidentiality of the personal data collected.
On October 16, 2026, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification amending the Census Rules of 1990. The new rules expand the scope for recruitment for census-related work. In addition to teachers from aided and private educational institutions, as well as staff and officials from various organizations, associations, and trusts, employees of public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, banks, and companies may now also be engaged for census duties.Provision has also been made to appoint any individual whom the state government or the administration of a union territory deems suitable.
The CPI(M) argues that the absence of clear criteria and accountability mechanisms in the recruitment process has created the risk of arbitrary and politically motivated appointments. In the letter, Baby also expressed concern that if individuals with political ties to the ruling party are appointed to carry out the census, the credibility of the entire process could be compromised.
Apprehensions Regarding Misuse of Personal Information
A vast amount of personal information is collected from every household and individual during a census. The CPI(M) has expressed concern that this data could be used to determine political affiliations, target specific communities, call into question an individual’s citizenship, or deprive people of their rightful entitlements and benefits. The party argues that if the public lacks confidence in the impartiality of those collecting the data, they will be hesitant to provide the necessary information.
The letter also refers to the questionnaire notified on August 14, 2026, for the second phase of the 2027 Census. It notes that this questionnaire seeks various details, including the religion of one’s parents, bank account information, Aadhaar and other identity documents, passport details, and mobile numbers.
On August 24, the CPI(M) submitted a memorandum to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, demanding an end to this data collection process and the implementation of stringent safeguards to prevent the linking of census data with any other databases. The party also sought an assurance that the collected data would not be used for purposes other than those originally intended. Baby has informed the President that recent amendments to the rules have further intensified these concerns.
Reference to the SIR Experience
The letter also mentions the experience of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The CPI(M) alleges that, due to opaque procedures and arbitrary documentation requirements, there is a risk that even eligible citizens could be excluded from the electoral rolls during the SIR process. In this context, it is concerning that the task of collecting vast amounts of sensitive personal data across the country is being entrusted to a broader range of personnel who lack adequate oversight.
Baby argues that the census is a national exercise for the people of the country. It must not be allowed to become a tool for the ruling party or its ideological allies to serve their own political interests. The census cannot be turned into a mechanism for surveillance, determining citizenship, or excluding people from their right to vote.
In a letter to the President, the General Secretary of the CPI(M) has requested urgent intervention to direct the Central Government to withdraw the amended rules. He has also demanded that the census be conducted in a manner consistent with constitutional principles and public trust.
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