Census: States asked to maintain 24×7 social media monitoring cells

NEW DELHI, OCT 19 (PTI): The registrar general of India (RGI) has directed the state and Union Territory directorates to maintain 24×7 social media monitoring cells to track digital discussions and enable authorities to publish rebuttals and fact-checks in real time as the second phase of the Census — Population Enumeration — will begin in various states soon.
In a letter to all states and Union territories, RGI Mritunjay Kumar Narayan also said a tableau may be showcased during next year’s Republic Day, subject to approval from the defence ministry.
Giving details of a publicity campaign to be undertaken by the RGI at different levels, Narayan said the campaign for the PE phase will not only inform people about the questions to be canvassed during field visits, but will also educate them on accessing and completing the digital Self-Enumeration (SE) module, where the public can fill in their information in the comfort of their residences.
“For the successful enumeration in Phase-II, it is crucial that adequate publicity measures, similar to the HLO phase, are undertaken to raise awareness among people about the importance of the Census exercise and its utility in shaping the nation. Such efforts also establish rapport with people, ensuring a warm and positive reception for enumerators during household visits,” he said.
The directive comes as preparations for the population enumeration phase gather pace following the completion of house-listing operations.
The campaign will seek to inform people about the questions the enumerators will ask during household visits, explain how to complete the digital self-enumeration module and reassure the respondents that the information provided by them is legally confidential under the Census Act.
The planned publicity drive will combine national mass-media advertising with state-level campaigns and district-level outreach.
National efforts will include advertisements in newspapers, television commercials, digital cinema screens, mobile applications and transport systems, as well as explanatory videos, myth-busting content and WhatsApp and SMS outreach.
RGI has also outlined a clear segregation of publicity modes across administrative levels to ensure a comprehensive 360-degree media coverage without duplication, to the extent possible.
The state and Union Territory directorates will launch state-specific organic publicity tailored to regional requirements, the letter said.