PANAJI
The ongoing pre-test self-enumeration for India’s first digital census, which allows households to submit their data online, is facing major headwinds in Goa with widespread apprehensions over data security and potential cyber threats discouraging citizen participation.
Since the start of the pre-test self-enumeration exercise from November 1 covering Margao municipal area and Corgao village in Pernem taluka- only 87 people have registered themselves online.
In the light of these concerns, Directorate of Census Operation (DCO) Goa is making efforts to convince the households that the digital enumeration platform is secure with multiple layers of encryption and data-protection built in.
Speaking to The Goan, a senior DCO official admitted that Goa’s vulnerability to cyber-attacks and cyber-crimes has created a sense of mistrust among residents, many of whom fear that personal details shared during the digital enumeration could be misused or leaked.
The official said that households have refrained from completing the self-enumeration process due to concerns over data privacy and the safety of the online platform. This hesitation has slowed down the pace of the census pre-test — a crucial exercise meant to assess the feasibility and efficiency of the digital model before its nationwide rollout next year.
“People are hesitant to share personal details online, especially when they frequently hear about cyber frauds and data leaks. This perception of risk is affecting participation,” admitted a senior official.
The official said that efforts are being made to reassure citizens about the platform’s safety, adding that the data collected is encrypted and stored securely on government servers.
“Our officers are on field assisting and trying to convince households. We have even roped in local BLOs to make people understand. But there is a fear. As per the system, once the data is filled, the individual receives OTP for verification of mobile number. As soon as we tell them about OTP, they just opt out,” official said.
“The census data is confidential by law. The system has been designed with multiple layers of authentication and encryption. We are also conducting awareness sessions to assure people that their information is safe,” official said, appealing people to be part of the exercise.
“The enumeration process is designed with multiple layers of protection. We are working to build confidence among the public,” the official stated.
The concerns are not unfounded as the coastal State has registered a notable rise in cyber-fraud and online crime, which is contributing to public mistrust. As of March, 2025 the State had recorded 6,052 cases of cyber frauds, with a total amount of Rs 149.06 crore reported as siphoned off.
