Pune Census Drive: PMC Commissioner Warns of Criminal Action, Suspension for Staff Skipping Duty
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 2nd June 2026: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Navalkishor Ram has warned that supervisors and enumerators who fail to report for census duties or neglect their assigned responsibilities will face criminal proceedings under the Census Act, 1948, along with departmental action, including suspension.
The warning came during a review meeting of census officers, charge officers and other concerned officials held at Annabhau Sathe Auditorium in Yerawada on Tuesday. The meeting focused on assessing the progress of the ongoing census exercise, addressing manpower-related issues, reviewing pending work and discussing challenges faced by field staff while reaching residents.
Although June 14 has been set as the final deadline for completing the census exercise, Commissioner Ram urged officials to achieve 100 per cent completion before June 10. He said Pune has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to this important national exercise by completing the work ahead of schedule.
The Commissioner directed all employees who have not yet joined census duties or have failed to commence work after their appointment to immediately contact their respective charge officers and participate in the exercise without further delay.
He instructed census officials to conduct daily reviews of progress in every ward, promptly address field-level difficulties and ensure citizens are informed about the importance of the census so that they actively cooperate. He also stressed the need to maintain accurate, transparent and error-free census records.
Ram called upon all officers and employees to work in close coordination to complete the exercise within the stipulated timeframe. Any technical or administrative difficulties should be immediately brought to the notice of senior officials so that timely solutions can be found, he said.
During the meeting, officials highlighted several operational challenges and submitted suggestions. The Commissioner assured them of the necessary administrative support and directed that all issues be resolved on priority.
Describing the census as a vital national responsibility, Ram urged all personnel to carry out their duties with dedication and accountability. He emphasised that negligence, delays or lack of seriousness in census work would not be tolerated and that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
The Commissioner further stated that supervisors and enumerators who avoid reporting for duty or fail to cooperate with census operations will face criminal action under the Census Act, 1948, followed by departmental inquiries. Such instances will also be recorded in their Confidential Reports (CRs), and the matter will be reported to the government.
He also appreciated enumerators who voluntarily completed work in two enumeration blocks, acknowledging their commitment to the national exercise.
Appealing to citizens, Ram urged residents to verify the identity cards of census personnel and provide accurate information to facilitate smooth completion of the census. He cautioned that non-cooperation could lead to action under the applicable provisions.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Special) Omprakash Divte, Deputy Commissioners Vijay Landge, Asha Raut, Vijaykumar Thorat, Arvind Mali and Tushar Babar, along with assistant municipal commissioners, officers, employees and around 500 supervisors and enumerators, attended the meeting.
Assistant Commissioner Suspended
Meanwhile, an Assistant Commissioner and Charge Officer has been suspended after being found negligent in the discharge of census-related duties, according to PMC officials.
