Delhi Govt counts Census duty as official service for guest teachers

In a major relief for thousands of guest teachers in Delhi, the Delhi Government has decided that the time spent on Census duty will now be counted as official service, ensuring that teachers do not lose salary, experience or career benefits while performing national responsibilities.

The decision, approved by Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, is expected to benefit a large number of guest teachers who are regularly assigned government and statutory duties outside the classroom.

Under the new policy, every day spent on Census operations will be treated as a regular working day. The period will be added to a teacher’s total service record and teaching experience, and will also be reflected in experience certificates—an important factor in future employment opportunities and professional advancement.

Announcing the decision, Sood said, “Guest teachers are not merely educators; they are partners in nation-building. When the government entrusts them with important national responsibilities such as the Census, they should not be penalised for serving the country.”

Officials said the move aimed to ensure that guest teachers were not placed at a disadvantage when they were called upon to perform duties in the public interest.

The government has also brought Census duty on par with election assignments, Booth Level Officer (BLO) work and COVID-19 relief operations, all of which are already recognised as official duty.

Importantly, teachers engaged in Census work will continue to receive their regular remuneration and daily wages throughout the deployment period, ensuring that their earnings remain unaffected. Highlighting the spirit behind the move, Sood said, “No teacher should be forced to choose between serving the nation and protecting their career.”