The Hindu Editorial • June 05, 2026 • Read Original

Data hygiene: On the Census and enumerators

Census enumerators should not face difficulties in the name of re-verification

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The Hindu Read Original

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on June 05, 2026

Data hygiene: On the Census and enumerators

Census enumerators should not face difficulties in the name of re-verification

Indian Census 2027Census EnumeratorsData HygieneOpen Defecation FreeSwachh Bharat Mission

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 18

English Original

It is disturbing that some Census 2027 enumerators in States such as Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are facing issues for extremely unusual reasons.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

A placeholder word used to start the sentence before the real subject is introduced at the end

Part 2

Is (functioning as a linking verb here)

Part 3

Making you feel worried, upset, or shocked

Part 4

that some Census 2027 in States such as Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are facing issues for extremely reasons

The fact that people counting the population in states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are having problems for very strange reasons

Sentence 2 of 18

English Original

In these two States where the first phase of the Census — Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) — is under way, they have been advised to “revisit households and correct the data discrepancies” and “not to select options that may show the government in a poor light”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In these two States where the first of the Census — Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) — is

In Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where the initial part of counting houses is currently happening

Part 2

they

The census enumerators who are working in the field

Part 3

have been advised

Were given recommendations or instructions on what to do

Part 4

to “ households and correct the data ” and “not to select options that may show the government in a ”

To go back to houses, fix incorrect information, and avoid choosing answers that make the government look bad

Context and Background

Census Phases: HLO vs. Population Enumeration

The Indian Census is conducted in two distinct phases. Phase I is the Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), which involves identifying and listing all residential structures and collecting data on housing conditions and amenities. Phase II is the Population Enumeration (PE), where detailed demographic, social, and economic data of every individual are recorded.

Sentence 3 of 18

English Original

Re-verification is a legitimate part of any study or survey, but this must be done to reflect reality accurately, not to manage perceptions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Re-verification

The act of checking again to make sure that something is correct and true

Part 2

Is (describing the status of re-verification)

Part 3

a part of any study or

A lawful, correct, and normal step in any research project or data collection

Part 4

but

A word used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has just been said

Part 5

this

Referring back to the action of re-verification

Part 6

must be done

It is necessary to perform this action in this way

Part 7

to reality , not to

In order to show the actual truth, not to control how people view the situation

Sentence 4 of 18

English Original

In Rajasthan, the issue arises from a circular of the Director of Census Operations to district-level officials regarding discrepancies identified in field data.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In Rajasthan

In the Indian state of Rajasthan

Part 2

the issue

The problem or conflict under discussion

Part 3

arises

Begins, starts, or originates

Part 4

from a of the Director of Census to district-level officials regarding discrepancies identified in

From an official letter sent by the head of the census to local officers about differences found in the collected data

Sentence 5 of 18

English Original

Apparently, the objective is to ensure that data are accurately recorded, using appropriate options in the questionnaire.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

According to what seems to be true or is officially stated

Part 2

the

The goal or aim of the circular

Part 3

Is (linking the subject to its purpose)

Part 4

to that data are accurately recorded, using options in the

To make certain that the answers are written down correctly by choosing the right boxes in the form

Sentence 6 of 18

English Original

However, in some cases, enumerators have been told to record data based on assumptions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

However

A word used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what was just said

Part 2

in some cases

In certain instances or sometimes

Part 3

enumerators

The census workers who go door-to-door to collect information

Part 4

have been told

Were ordered or instructed by their supervisors

Part 5

to record data based on

To write down answers based on guesses instead of asking or seeing the truth

Sentence 7 of 18

English Original

For example, if some households do not have toilets, enumerators have been told to check whether toilets are available nearby, on the basis of which the entry can be changed from “open defecation” to “[having] access to latrine”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

For example

Used to introduce a specific case that shows what you mean

Part 2

if some do not have toilets

In the case where some families do not own a toilet in their home

Part 3

enumerators

The field workers collecting census details

Part 4

have been told

Were instructed or ordered

Part 5

to check whether toilets are available nearby

To look and find out if there are any toilets close to the house

Part 6

on the basis of which the entry can be changed from “” to “[having] access to ”

Using that information to alter the official answer from toilet use in public spaces to having a facility nearby

Sentence 8 of 18

English Original

In Uttar Pradesh, the message seems to be not to present facts as they are, raising concerns about data integrity and reliability for a crucial and sensitive exercise.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In Uttar Pradesh

In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh

Part 2

the message

The instruction or signal given to the workers

Part 3

seems to be

Appears or looks like it is

Part 4

not to as they are

To avoid showing the actual truth or reality of the situation

Part 5

raising concerns about data and for a and

Creating doubts about how honest and trustworthy the collected information is for this very important national task

Sentence 9 of 18

English Original

The present episode brings to the fore the efficacy of programmes such as the country’s long-running campaign against open defecation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The present

The current event or incident that is happening now

Part 2

brings to the

Makes something important or draws attention to it

Part 3

the of programmes such as the country’s long-running against open defecation

How well the government projects are working, especially the long fight against using public areas as toilets

Sentence 10 of 18

English Original

While many States have made tangible progress, it would be unrealistic to conclude that the problem has been eliminated.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While many States have made

Even though many parts of the country have shown clear improvements

Part 2

A placeholder subject representing the action of concluding at the end

Part 3

would be

Would be (expressing a future possibility or conditional state)

Part 4

Not showing or representing what is actually possible; impractical

Part 5

to that the problem has been

To decide or state that open defecation is completely gone

Sentence 11 of 18

English Original

For administrative purposes, including funding, it is reasonable to classify cities and villages on the basis of certain parameters as Open Defecation Free (ODF), ODF Plus and ODF Plus Model.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

For purposes, including

In order to run the government smoothly and decide which place gets money

Part 2

A placeholder subject for the classification activity described at the end

Part 3

Is (linking the subject to its quality)

Part 4

Fair, practical, and sensible to do

Part 5

to cities and villages on the basis of certain as Open Defecation Free (ODF), ODF Plus and ODF Plus Model

To divide urban and rural areas into different groups of cleanliness using specific guidelines

Context and Background

Sanitation Ratings under Swachh Bharat Mission

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II, villages are classified progressively. An ‘ODF’ village is one where everyone uses a toilet. An ‘ODF Plus’ village sustains its ODF status and manages either solid or liquid waste. An ‘ODF Plus Model’ village sustains ODF status, manages both solid and liquid waste, maintains visual cleanliness, and displays hygiene messages.

Sentence 12 of 18

English Original

But, the critical question is whether such a classification reflects reality and comes into conflict with the enumerators’ work.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

But

Introduces an opposing point or argument

Part 2

the question

The most important problem or puzzle that needs an answer

Part 3

Is (linking the question to its explanation)

Part 4

whether such a reflects reality and comes into with the enumerators’ work

If this labeling matches the actual truth or if it causes problems for the workers who are trying to collect facts

Sentence 13 of 18

English Original

It is the responsibility of policymakers to ensure that Census data are accurate and credible.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

A placeholder subject pointing to the real subject clause at the end

Part 2

Is (functioning as a linking verb)

Part 3

the of

The job or duty of the people who make government rules and laws

Part 4

to ensure that Census data are and

To make sure that the numbers collected in the census are correct and can be trusted

Sentence 14 of 18

English Original

They also must sensitise people to provide correct information, as public policies and welfare schemes are formulated on the basis of these data and ultimately benefit them.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

They

The policymakers and government authorities

Part 2

also

In addition to their other responsibilities

Part 3

must

Need to make people aware or make them understand the importance of something

Part 4

people

The citizens of the country who are being surveyed

Part 5

to provide correct information

To give the true and honest details to the enumerators

Part 6

as public and schemes are on the basis of these data and benefit them

Because government rules and help plans are made using these details, which in the end helps the public themselves

Sentence 15 of 18

English Original

The authorities must recognise and resolve the legitimate difficulties faced by enumerators.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The authorities

The government officials and heads of the census department

Part 2

must and

Should accept that the problems exist and find a solution for them

Part 3

the faced by enumerators

The real and fair problems that the field workers are meeting in their job

Sentence 16 of 18

English Original

As the significance of the Census hardly needs any reiteration, the Union government should be quite liberal in enhancing allowances for enumerators to ensure efficient and timely work.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As the of the Census hardly needs any

Because everyone already knows how important the census is, and it does not need to be said again

Part 2

the Union government

The central government of India

Part 3

should be

Ought to behave or act in this state

Part 4

quite

Very generous or open-minded in spending money or giving help

Part 5

in for enumerators to ensure and timely work

When increasing the extra payment given to workers to make sure they do a fast and good job

Sentence 17 of 18

English Original

It should be not only conscious of the financial outlay involved — about ₹11,718 crore for the entire country — but also of the need to make reliable data publicly available for purposes such as targeted and inclusive policymaking.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Referring back to the Union government of India

Part 2

should be

Ought to pay attention and remain in this state of mind

Part 3

not only of the financial involved — about ₹11,718 crore for the entire country — but also of the need to make reliable data publicly available for purposes such as targeted and policymaking

Aware of both the big budget (around 11,718 crore) and the importance of sharing true numbers so that rules help everyone

Context and Background

Financial Outlay for India

The Union Cabinet approved a budget of ₹11,718.24 crore for Census 2027. This exercise is historic as India’s first digital census, transitioning from paper schedules to mobile applications and a centralized monitoring portal. The massive budget covers training for over 30 lakh enumerators, software development, data security, and public outreach.

Sentence 18 of 18

English Original

The government should send a clear message that data sanitisation must not be undertaken under the guise of re-verification.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The government

The ruling leaders of the country

Part 2

should send

Ought to give or communicate

Part 3

a clear message that data must not be under the of re-verification

An understandable warning that cleaning up or altering numbers to look good must not be done by calling it a re-check

Sentence 1 of 18

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 Some Census 2027 enumerators in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are facing pressure to alter survey data to avoid showing the government in a poor light.
2 In Rajasthan, enumerators were reportedly instructed to record toilet access based on nearby availability rather than actual household ownership, changing “open defecation” entries to “access to latrine.”
3 This practice of manipulating data to manage public perceptions, rather than reflecting ground reality, raises serious concerns about the integrity and reliability of the census.
4 While classification schemes like Open Defecation Free (ODF) are useful for administration, they must not conflict with honest data collection on the ground.
5 The Union government must resolve the difficulties faced by enumerators, enhance their allowances, and ensure that reliable census data is publicly available for inclusive policymaking.

Tone of the Editorial

Critical

Why this tone?

The editorial strongly criticizes the attempts by census authorities to manipulate field data under the guise of re-verification. Using words like “disturbing,” “unusual,” and warning that data sanitization must not be used to manage perceptions, it censures the risk this poses to data integrity and national policymaking.

Sentence 1 of 18

It is disturbing that some Census 2027 enumerators in States such as Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are facing issues for extremely unusual reasons.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

A placeholder word used to start the sentence before the real subject is introduced at the end

Part 2

Is (functioning as a linking verb here)

Part 3

disturbing

Making you feel worried, upset, or shocked

Part 4

that some Census 2027 enumerators in States such as Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are facing issues for extremely unusual reasons

The fact that people counting the population in states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are having problems for very strange reasons

Sentence 2 of 18

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In these two States where the first phase of the Census — Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) — is under way

In Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where the initial part of counting houses is currently happening

Part 2

they

The census enumerators who are working in the field

Part 3

have been advised

Were given recommendations or instructions on what to do

Part 4

to “revisit households and correct the data discrepancies” and “not to select options that may show the government in a poor light”

To go back to houses, fix incorrect information, and avoid choosing answers that make the government look bad

Sentence 3 of 18

Re-verification is a legitimate part of any study or survey, but this must be done to reflect reality accurately, not to manage perceptions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Re-verification

The act of checking again to make sure that something is correct and true

Part 2

Is (describing the status of re-verification)

Part 3

a legitimate part of any study or survey

A lawful, correct, and normal step in any research project or data collection

Part 4

but

A word used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has just been said

Part 5

this

Referring back to the action of re-verification

Part 6

must be done

It is necessary to perform this action in this way

Part 7

to reflect reality accurately, not to manage perceptions

In order to show the actual truth, not to control how people view the situation

Sentence 4 of 18

In Rajasthan, the issue arises from a circular of the Director of Census Operations to district-level officials regarding discrepancies identified in field data.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In Rajasthan

In the Indian state of Rajasthan

Part 2

the issue

The problem or conflict under discussion

Part 3

arises

Begins, starts, or originates

Part 4

from a circular of the Director of Census Operations to district-level officials regarding discrepancies identified in field data

From an official letter sent by the head of the census to local officers about differences found in the collected data

Sentence 5 of 18

Apparently, the objective is to ensure that data are accurately recorded, using appropriate options in the questionnaire.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Apparently

According to what seems to be true or is officially stated

Part 2

the objective

The goal or aim of the circular

Part 3

Is (linking the subject to its purpose)

Part 4

to ensure that data are accurately recorded, using appropriate options in the questionnaire

To make certain that the answers are written down correctly by choosing the right boxes in the form

Sentence 6 of 18

However, in some cases, enumerators have been told to record data based on assumptions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

However

A word used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what was just said

Part 2

in some cases

In certain instances or sometimes

Part 3

enumerators

The census workers who go door-to-door to collect information

Part 4

have been told

Were ordered or instructed by their supervisors

Part 5

to record data based on assumptions

To write down answers based on guesses instead of asking or seeing the truth

Sentence 7 of 18

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

For example

Used to introduce a specific case that shows what you mean

Part 2

if some households do not have toilets

In the case where some families do not own a toilet in their home

Part 3

enumerators

The field workers collecting census details

Part 4

have been told

Were instructed or ordered

Part 5

to check whether toilets are available nearby

To look and find out if there are any toilets close to the house

Part 6

on the basis of which the entry can be changed from “open defecation” to “[having] access to latrine”

Using that information to alter the official answer from toilet use in public spaces to having a facility nearby

Sentence 8 of 18

In Uttar Pradesh, the message seems to be not to present facts as they are, raising concerns about data integrity and reliability for a crucial and sensitive exercise.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In Uttar Pradesh

In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh

Part 2

the message

The instruction or signal given to the workers

Part 3

seems to be

Appears or looks like it is

Part 4

not to present facts as they are

To avoid showing the actual truth or reality of the situation

Part 5

raising concerns about data integrity and reliability for a crucial and sensitive exercise

Creating doubts about how honest and trustworthy the collected information is for this very important national task

Sentence 9 of 18

The present episode brings to the fore the efficacy of programmes such as the country’s long-running campaign against open defecation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The present episode

The current event or incident that is happening now

Part 2

brings to the fore

Makes something important or draws attention to it

Part 3

the efficacy of programmes such as the country’s long-running campaign against open defecation

How well the government projects are working, especially the long fight against using public areas as toilets

Sentence 10 of 18

While many States have made tangible progress, it would be unrealistic to conclude that the problem has been eliminated.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While many States have made tangible progress

Even though many parts of the country have shown clear improvements

Part 2

A placeholder subject representing the action of concluding at the end

Part 3

would be

Would be (expressing a future possibility or conditional state)

Part 4

unrealistic

Not showing or representing what is actually possible; impractical

Part 5

to conclude that the problem has been eliminated

To decide or state that open defecation is completely gone

Sentence 11 of 18

For administrative purposes, including funding, it is reasonable to classify cities and villages on the basis of certain parameters as Open Defecation Free (ODF), ODF Plus and ODF Plus Model.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

For administrative purposes, including funding

In order to run the government smoothly and decide which place gets money

Part 2

A placeholder subject for the classification activity described at the end

Part 3

Is (linking the subject to its quality)

Part 4

reasonable

Fair, practical, and sensible to do

Part 5

to classify cities and villages on the basis of certain parameters as Open Defecation Free (ODF), ODF Plus and ODF Plus Model

To divide urban and rural areas into different groups of cleanliness using specific guidelines

Sentence 12 of 18

But, the critical question is whether such a classification reflects reality and comes into conflict with the enumerators’ work.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

But

Introduces an opposing point or argument

Part 2

the critical question

The most important problem or puzzle that needs an answer

Part 3

Is (linking the question to its explanation)

Part 4

whether such a classification reflects reality and comes into conflict with the enumerators’ work

If this labeling matches the actual truth or if it causes problems for the workers who are trying to collect facts

Sentence 13 of 18

It is the responsibility of policymakers to ensure that Census data are accurate and credible.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

A placeholder subject pointing to the real subject clause at the end

Part 2

Is (functioning as a linking verb)

Part 3

the responsibility of policymakers

The job or duty of the people who make government rules and laws

Part 4

to ensure that Census data are accurate and credible

To make sure that the numbers collected in the census are correct and can be trusted

Sentence 14 of 18

They also must sensitise people to provide correct information, as public policies and welfare schemes are formulated on the basis of these data and ultimately benefit them.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

They

The policymakers and government authorities

Part 2

also

In addition to their other responsibilities

Part 3

must sensitise

Need to make people aware or make them understand the importance of something

Part 4

people

The citizens of the country who are being surveyed

Part 5

to provide correct information

To give the true and honest details to the enumerators

Part 6

as public policies and welfare schemes are formulated on the basis of these data and ultimately benefit them

Because government rules and help plans are made using these details, which in the end helps the public themselves

Sentence 15 of 18

The authorities must recognise and resolve the legitimate difficulties faced by enumerators.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The authorities

The government officials and heads of the census department

Part 2

must recognise and resolve

Should accept that the problems exist and find a solution for them

Part 3

the legitimate difficulties faced by enumerators

The real and fair problems that the field workers are meeting in their job

Sentence 16 of 18

As the significance of the Census hardly needs any reiteration, the Union government should be quite liberal in enhancing allowances for enumerators to ensure efficient and timely work.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As the significance of the Census hardly needs any reiteration

Because everyone already knows how important the census is, and it does not need to be said again

Part 2

the Union government

The central government of India

Part 3

should be

Ought to behave or act in this state

Part 4

quite liberal

Very generous or open-minded in spending money or giving help

Part 5

in enhancing allowances for enumerators to ensure efficient and timely work

When increasing the extra payment given to workers to make sure they do a fast and good job

Sentence 17 of 18

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Referring back to the Union government of India

Part 2

should be

Ought to pay attention and remain in this state of mind

Part 3

not only conscious of the financial outlay involved — about ₹11,718 crore for the entire country — but also of the need to make reliable data publicly available for purposes such as targeted and inclusive policymaking

Aware of both the big budget (around 11,718 crore) and the importance of sharing true numbers so that rules help everyone

Sentence 18 of 18

The government should send a clear message that data sanitisation must not be undertaken under the guise of re-verification.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The government

The ruling leaders of the country

Part 2

should send

Ought to give or communicate

Part 3

a clear message that data sanitisation must not be undertaken under the guise of re-verification

An understandable warning that cleaning up or altering numbers to look good must not be done by calling it a re-check

Reading Comprehension

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Reading Comprehension - Data Hygiene

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial 'Data hygiene: On the Census and enumerators'.

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