As Goa prepares for the first census in 16 years, the first phase of the nationwide month-long exercise is reportedly scheduled from April 16 to May 15. It is learnt that around 1,500 teachers are likely to be deployed initially, with nearly 3,000 enumerators and supervisors expected to undergo training. This has raised serious concerns regarding school administration. Schools have only just reopened in April under the New Education Policy (NEP) framework, and teachers are already managing academic responsibilities. Assigning them census work places an extra burden on them. Teachers are not only required to participate in training sessions but also to carry out enumeration duties, all while handling core responsibilities like correcting answer sheets after examinations. Primary school teachers are expected to form the bulk of the census workforce, making them particularly vulnerable to burnout due to this multitasking. It is pertinent to note that teachers in Karnataka have sought exemption from census duties, highlighting concerns over increased workload during academic period. Alternative arrangements could be to engage unemployed youth and graduates, which will provide them employment opportunities as also engaging retired government servants and volunteers.
