​Data hygiene, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Concerns have emerged regarding data integrity during the ongoing Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) phase of Census 2027 in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
• Enumerators are reportedly being advised to "revisit households and correct the data discrepancies" and "not to select options that may show the government in a poor light."
• Specific instructions include changing entries from "open defecation" to "access to latrine" if toilets are available nearby, even if not within the household.
• This practice raises questions about the accuracy of data, particularly concerning the efficacy of Open Defecation Free (ODF) programs.
• The Union government has allocated approximately ₹11,718 crore for the entire Census 2027 exercise.

Detailed Insights:

• The first phase of Census 2027, the Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), is currently being conducted across various states, including Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
• The reported directives to enumerators suggest an attempt to manage perceptions rather than accurately reflect ground realities, potentially compromising the Census's credibility.
• The issue highlights a potential conflict between administrative classifications like ODF, ODF Plus, and ODF Plus Model and the actual sanitation status observed by enumerators.
• Accurate Census data is crucial for the formulation of public policies and welfare schemes, directly impacting their effectiveness and targeting.
• Policymakers bear the responsibility of ensuring data accuracy and sensitizing the public to provide correct information for effective governance.
• There is a need to address the legitimate difficulties faced by enumerators, including potentially enhancing their allowances to ensure efficient and timely work.
• The government must explicitly discourage data sanitization under the guise of re-verification to maintain the reliability of national statistics.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Census 2027: The upcoming 16th decennial population census of India, conducted in two phases: Houselisting and Housing Census, followed by Population Enumeration.
• Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO): The first phase of the Census, collecting data on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets.
• Data Integrity: The accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data over its lifecycle, crucial for informed decision-making.
• Open Defecation Free (ODF): A status declared for an area where no visible faeces are found, and every household and public institution uses safe disposal methods for faeces.
• ODF Plus (ODF+): An extension of ODF status, focusing on sustaining ODF behaviors and ensuring proper solid and liquid waste management.
• ODF Plus Model: The highest tier of ODF Plus, where a village sustains ODF status, has comprehensive solid and liquid waste management, observes visual cleanliness, and displays ODF Plus information.