A placeholder word used to start the sentence before the real subject is introduced at the end
VerbWhat is happening
is
Is (functioning as a linking verb here)
ComplementCompletes meaning
disturbing
Making you feel worried, upset, or shocked
SubjectWho/What
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
English Original
In these two States where the first phase of the Census — Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) — is under way,theyhave been advisedto “revisit households and correct the data discrepancies” and “not to select options that may show the government in a poor light”.
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
SubjectWho/What
they
The census enumerators who are working in the field
VerbWhat is happening
have been advised
Were given recommendations or instructions on what to do
ComplementCompletes meaning
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
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-verificationisa legitimate part of any study or survey,butthismust be doneto reflect reality accurately, not to manage perceptions.
The act of checking again to make sure that something is correct and true
VerbWhat is happening
is
Is (describing the status of re-verification)
ComplementCompletes meaning
a legitimate part of any study or survey
A lawful, correct, and normal step in any research project or data collection
AdjunctAdditional info
but
A word used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has just been said
SubjectWho/What
this
Referring back to the action of re-verification
VerbWhat is happening
must be done
It is necessary to perform this action in this way
AdjunctAdditional info
to reflect reality accurately, not to manageperceptions
In order to show the actual truth, not to control how people view the situation
Sentence 4 of 18
English Original
In Rajasthan,the issuearisesfrom a circular of the Director of Census Operations to district-level officials regarding discrepancies identified in field data.
A word used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what was just said
AdjunctAdditional info
in some cases
In certain instances or sometimes
SubjectWho/What
enumerators
The census workers who go door-to-door to collect information
VerbWhat is happening
have been told
Were ordered or instructed by their supervisors
ComplementCompletes meaning
to record data based on assumptions
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,enumeratorshave been toldto check whether toilets are available nearby,on the basis of which the entry can be changed from “open defecation” to “[having] access to latrine”.
Used to introduce a specific case that shows what you mean
AdjunctAdditional info
if some households do not have toilets
In the case where some families do not own a toilet in their home
SubjectWho/What
enumerators
The field workers collecting census details
VerbWhat is happening
have been told
Were instructed or ordered
ComplementCompletes meaning
to check whether toilets are available nearby
To look and find out if there are any toilets close to the house
AdjunctAdditional info
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
English Original
In Uttar Pradesh,the messageseems to benot to present facts as they are,raising concerns about data integrity and reliability for a crucial and sensitive exercise.
Even though many parts of the country have shown clear improvements
SubjectWho/What
it
A placeholder subject representing the action of concluding at the end
VerbWhat is happening
would be
Would be (expressing a future possibility or conditional state)
ComplementCompletes meaning
unrealistic
Not showing or representing what is actually possible; impractical
SubjectWho/What
to conclude that the problem has been eliminated
To decide or state that open defecation is completely gone
Sentence 11 of 18
English Original
For administrative purposes, including funding,itisreasonableto classify cities and villages on the basis of certain parameters as Open Defecation Free (ODF), ODF Plus and ODF Plus Model.
In order to run the government smoothly and decide which place gets money
SubjectWho/What
it
A placeholder subject for the classification activity described at the end
VerbWhat is happening
is
Is (linking the subject to its quality)
ComplementCompletes meaning
reasonable
Fair, practical, and sensible to do
SubjectWho/What
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
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 questioniswhether such a classification reflects reality and comes into conflict with the enumerators’ work.
A placeholder subject pointing to the real subject clause at the end
VerbWhat is happening
is
Is (functioning as a linking verb)
ComplementCompletes meaning
the responsibility of policymakers
The job or duty of the people who make government rules and laws
SubjectWho/What
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
English Original
Theyalsomust sensitisepeopleto provide correct information,as public policies and welfare schemes are formulated on the basis of these data and ultimately benefit them.
The government officials and heads of the census department
VerbWhat is happening
must recognise and resolve
Should accept that the problems exist and find a solution for them
ObjectWhat receives action
the legitimatedifficulties 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 governmentshould bequite liberalin enhancing allowances for enumerators to ensure efficient and timely work.
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
SubjectWho/What
the Union government
The central government of India
VerbWhat is happening
should be
Ought to behave or act in this state
ComplementCompletes meaning
quite liberal
Very generous or open-minded in spending money or giving help
AdjunctAdditional info
in enhancingallowances 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
English Original
Itshould benot 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.
Ought to pay attention and remain in this state of mind
ComplementCompletes meaning
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
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 governmentshould senda clear message that data sanitisation must not be undertaken under the guise of re-verification.
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
Sentence 1 of 18
Sentence 1 of 18
Itisdisturbingthat some Census 2027 enumerators in States such as Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are facing issues for extremely unusual reasons.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
A placeholder word used to start the sentence before the real subject is introduced at the end
Verb
is
Is (functioning as a linking verb here)
Complement
disturbing
Making you feel worried, upset, or shocked
Subject
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
In these two States where the first phase of the Census — Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) — is under way,theyhave been advisedto “revisit households and correct the data discrepancies” and “not to select options that may show the government in a poor light”.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
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
Subject
they
The census enumerators who are working in the field
Verb
have been advised
Were given recommendations or instructions on what to do
Complement
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-verificationisa legitimate part of any study or survey,butthismust be doneto reflect reality accurately, not to manage perceptions.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Re-verification
The act of checking again to make sure that something is correct and true
Verb
is
Is (describing the status of re-verification)
Complement
a legitimate part of any study or survey
A lawful, correct, and normal step in any research project or data collection
Adjunct
but
A word used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has just been said
Subject
this
Referring back to the action of re-verification
Verb
must be done
It is necessary to perform this action in this way
Adjunct
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 issuearisesfrom a circular of the Director of Census Operations to district-level officials regarding discrepancies identified in field data.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In Rajasthan
In the Indian state of Rajasthan
Subject
the issue
The problem or conflict under discussion
Verb
arises
Begins, starts, or originates
Adjunct
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 objectiveisto ensure that data are accurately recorded, using appropriate options in the questionnaire.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Apparently
According to what seems to be true or is officially stated
Subject
the objective
The goal or aim of the circular
Verb
is
Is (linking the subject to its purpose)
Complement
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,enumeratorshave been toldto record data based on assumptions.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
However
A word used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what was just said
Adjunct
in some cases
In certain instances or sometimes
Subject
enumerators
The census workers who go door-to-door to collect information
Verb
have been told
Were ordered or instructed by their supervisors
Complement
to record data based on assumptions
To write down answers based on guesses instead of asking or seeing the truth
Sentence 7 of 18
For example,if some households do not have toilets,enumeratorshave been toldto check whether toilets are available nearby,on the basis of which the entry can be changed from “open defecation” to “[having] access to latrine”.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
For example
Used to introduce a specific case that shows what you mean
Adjunct
if some households do not have toilets
In the case where some families do not own a toilet in their home
Subject
enumerators
The field workers collecting census details
Verb
have been told
Were instructed or ordered
Complement
to check whether toilets are available nearby
To look and find out if there are any toilets close to the house
Adjunct
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 messageseems to benot to present facts as they are,raising concerns about data integrity and reliability for a crucial and sensitive exercise.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In Uttar Pradesh
In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh
Subject
the message
The instruction or signal given to the workers
Verb
seems to be
Appears or looks like it is
Complement
not to present facts as they are
To avoid showing the actual truth or reality of the situation
Adjunct
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 episodebrings to the forethe efficacy of programmes such as the country’s long-running campaign against open defecation.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The present episode
The current event or incident that is happening now
Verb
brings to the fore
Makes something important or draws attention to it
Object
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,itwould beunrealisticto conclude that the problem has been eliminated.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
While many States have made tangible progress
Even though many parts of the country have shown clear improvements
Subject
it
A placeholder subject representing the action of concluding at the end
Verb
would be
Would be (expressing a future possibility or conditional state)
Complement
unrealistic
Not showing or representing what is actually possible; impractical
Subject
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,itisreasonableto classify cities and villages on the basis of certain parameters as Open Defecation Free (ODF), ODF Plus and ODF Plus Model.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
For administrative purposes, including funding
In order to run the government smoothly and decide which place gets money
Subject
it
A placeholder subject for the classification activity described at the end
Verb
is
Is (linking the subject to its quality)
Complement
reasonable
Fair, practical, and sensible to do
Subject
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 questioniswhether such a classification reflects reality and comes into conflict with the enumerators’ work.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
But
Introduces an opposing point or argument
Subject
the critical question
The most important problem or puzzle that needs an answer
Verb
is
Is (linking the question to its explanation)
Complement
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
Itisthe responsibility of policymakersto ensure that Census data are accurate and credible.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
A placeholder subject pointing to the real subject clause at the end
Verb
is
Is (functioning as a linking verb)
Complement
the responsibility of policymakers
The job or duty of the people who make government rules and laws
Subject
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
Theyalsomust sensitisepeopleto provide correct information,as public policies and welfare schemes are formulated on the basis of these data and ultimately benefit them.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
They
The policymakers and government authorities
Adjunct
also
In addition to their other responsibilities
Verb
must sensitise
Need to make people aware or make them understand the importance of something
Object
people
The citizens of the country who are being surveyed
Complement
to provide correct information
To give the true and honest details to the enumerators
Adjunct
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 authoritiesmust recognise and resolvethe legitimate difficulties faced by enumerators.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The authorities
The government officials and heads of the census department
Verb
must recognise and resolve
Should accept that the problems exist and find a solution for them
Object
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 governmentshould bequite liberalin enhancing allowances for enumerators to ensure efficient and timely work.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
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
Subject
the Union government
The central government of India
Verb
should be
Ought to behave or act in this state
Complement
quite liberal
Very generous or open-minded in spending money or giving help
Adjunct
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
Itshould benot 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.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
Referring back to the Union government of India
Verb
should be
Ought to pay attention and remain in this state of mind
Complement
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 governmentshould senda clear message that data sanitisation must not be undertaken under the guise of re-verification.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The government
The ruling leaders of the country
Verb
should send
Ought to give or communicate
Object
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
Practice questions based on this editorial
Reading Comprehension - Data Hygiene
Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial 'Data hygiene: On the Census and enumerators'.
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