Salem: Salem district collector K Elambahavath cautioned the public against obstructing census operations in Salem district, saying violators would face a fine of Rs 1,000 and possible imprisonment for up to three years under the Census Act.The collector said the first phase of Census 2027, involving house listing and household enumeration, began on July 1 and would continue till Aug 30. The second phase of the census will begin in February.“Officials were visiting households to collect accurate information and that, as per the Census Act. It was the duty of every citizen to provide truthful answers and cooperate with enumerators,” he said adding, refusing entry, giving false information, or obstructing census staffers was considered a punishable offence.The collector noted that damaging or destroying census codes and numbers also constituted a violation.He urged the public to extend full cooperation and provide correct details to census officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.(No photo)
