New Delhi

Authorities in Delhi have warned residents against scammers distributing fake Census forms and collecting sensitive household information under the guise of the upcoming enumeration exercise.

Senior Census officials clarified that the ongoing Census process is entirely digital and does not involve paper-based forms. Officials said reports have surfaced from parts of north-east and east Delhi where printed forms resembling Census survey documents were allegedly being circulated among households.

A senior official termed the forms “fake” and urged citizens not to share personal details with unidentified individuals.

“The Census process this time is fully digital, and no paper forms are being used for data collection. People should not hand over sensitive information to anyone carrying such forms,” the official said.

According to officials, the fake forms seek detailed socio-economic information, including housing conditions, ownership status, family details, drinking water facilities, toilets, cooking fuel, internet access, mobile phones, vehicles and electronic devices.

Officials cautioned that such information could potentially be misused and advised residents to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be part of the Census exercise.

They said authorised enumerators and supervisors carry official ID cards with QR codes that can be scanned for verification.

The house-listing exercise, which began on May 16, is currently underway across 250 wards under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Officials said more than 50,000 enumerators are involved in the process and have already covered around 25,000 blocks in the national capital.

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Officials also reiterated that Census records are protected under the Census Act, 1948 and remain strictly confidential.