Calcutta HC Seeks Practical Approach to Teachers’ Census Responsibilities

The Calcutta High Court on Friday emphasised the need to ensure that the ongoing Census exercise does not interfere with the education of students. The observation came while the court heard petitions filed by a section of school teachers challenging their appointment as enumerators and supervisors for Census-related work.

Justice Krishna Rao said the Census exercise should continue smoothly, but the administration must also ensure that teachers assigned to the work are able to fulfil their duties despite genuine personal difficulties. The court was informed that some teachers travel long distances to reach their schools and have only Sunday as a weekly holiday, making it difficult for them to complete Census responsibilities within the prescribed timings.

The West Bengal government maintained that the notification requires Census duties to be carried out without affecting academic activities and that the work should be undertaken after school hours or during weekends. The court, however, questioned whether the administration had adequately considered the teachers’ travel distances, school schedules and other practical difficulties before assigning them the duties.

The High Court directed the petitioning teachers to provide details including their residential locations, schools, travel distances, school timings and whether their schools remain open on Saturdays. The information will be submitted to Additional Solicitor General Dhiraj Trivedi, who is representing the Centre.

Justice Rao also suggested that if teachers are to be utilised for Census work, the administration could consider assigning duties to teachers residing closer to their respective schools. The matters have been listed for further hearing on August 18.