The second phase of the Census 2027 exercise in Goa will reportedly begin with a 15-day online self-enumeration drive from November 16 to 30, 2026, followed by a door-to-door household survey across the state from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027. While conducting the census is undoubtedly a national responsibility and an important exercise for planning the country’s future, the decision to assign teachers census duties during their Christmas vacation has understandably triggered displeasure in certain quarters. Christmas is not just another holiday on the calendar. It is a time of religious observance, family togetherness, celebrations and relaxation after a long year of work. For the Christian community, it is one of the most significant seasons of the year. Churches are busy with preparations, families come together, and people look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with their loved ones. Imagine teachers having to put aside these traditions and spend their Christmas holidays going from door to door collecting census information. Teachers are already burdened with their regular academic responsibilities, examinations, administrative assignments and various other duties imposed by the authorities. Their vacation is an opportunity to spend time with their families, attend religious services and recharge themselves before returning to the classroom. Assigning them additional responsibilities during this festive period appears insensitive and unfair. The question is whether the government has explored alternative arrangements. Goa has thousands of educated unemployed youths who could be engaged to carry out the census exercise. With proper training, these youngsters could be deployed for door-to-door enumeration and paid a reasonable stipend upon completion of their assignments. This would not only provide temporary employment and some financial assistance to unemployed youth but also give them an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an important national exercise, thereby instilling in them a sense of responsibility. Such an arrangement would be beneficial to everyone. The government needs to explore the possibility of engaging trained unemployed youth instead of disturbing the Christmas holidays of teachers. A little consideration and sensible planning can ensure that a national exercise is completed successfully without depriving hundreds of teachers of their well-deserved festive holiday.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
