Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 8: India’s first digital census has hit a roadblock in Goa, where the ongoing pre-test self-enumeration exercise is witnessing poor participation amid widespread fears over data security and cyber threats.

Launched on November 1 in the Margao municipal area and Corgao village of Pernem taluk, the digital pre-test has seen only 87 people register online so far. Officials say citizens’ mistrust in digital systems is discouraging them from submitting personal data through the online platform.

A senior official from the Directorate of Census Operations (DCO) Goa admitted that the State’s growing vulnerability to cybercrimes has created apprehension among residents. “People are hesitant to share personal details online, especially when they frequently hear about cyber frauds and data leaks. This perception of risk is affecting participation,” the official told The Goan.

Officials said the slow response has affected the pace of the crucial pre-test phase, which is meant to evaluate the feasibility of the digital model before its nationwide rollout next year.

To address public concerns, the DCO is conducting awareness drives and field visits to reassure citizens that the online platform is secure. “Our officers are on the field assisting and convincing households. We have even roped in local BLOs to make people understand. But there is a fear. As per the system, once data is filled, the individual receives an OTP for mobile verification — and the moment we mention OTP, people opt out,” the official said.

Emphasising the security of the system, the official added, “The census data is confidential by law. The system has multiple layers of authentication and encryption. Data is stored securely on government servers.”

Goa’s growing record of cyber fraud has only deepened public mistrust. As of March 2025, the State had registered 6,052 cases of online fraud involving a total of Rs 149.06 crore siphoned off, officials noted.

“The enumeration process is designed with multiple layers of protection. We are working to build confidence among the public,” the official added, appealing to citizens to participate in the digital census.