Last Updated:
India to launch first fully digital Census in 2026, using mobile apps and self enumeration, including caste data, with results guiding policies from a 2027 reference date
Image used for representation
India is prepared to start its first-ever fully digital Census, marking a major change in the way population data is collected in the country. The census will begin with the House Listing and Housing Census phase from April 1 in eight states and Union Territories.
The Census will reportedly be held in two stages, with the first including collecting details about households, including living conditions and access to basic facilities. The second phase, known as Population Enumeration, will collect individual data. Notably, caste details will also be recorded digitally for the first time.
Registrar General and Census Commissioner Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan said the move to a digital format is aimed at improving accuracy and efficiency. Nearly 30 lakh enumerators will use mobile applications available on Android and iOS devices. The app supports 16 languages and can work even without internet access, making it suitable for remote and rural areas, according to a report by NDTV.
People can also fill in their details online through a self-enumeration portal. Once submitted, they will receive a unique Self-Enumeration ID, which can be shown to officials during verification.
The first-phase questionnaire will include 33 questions covering details such as type of house, construction materials, ownership status, number of people living in the household, water and sanitation facilities, cooking fuel, and availability of assets like internet, smartphones, vehicles, and appliances.
According to the FAQs on the Census portal, live-in couples will be counted as married couples “if they consider their relationship a stable union.”
The self-enumeration option will open 15 days before officials visit households, giving people time to submit their information in advance.
Authorities have clarified that no documents will be required for participation and all information collected will remain confidential. The reference date for the Census has been fixed as midnight of March 1, 2027. The housing phase will take place between April and September 2026, though timelines may vary across regions.
With a budget of Rs 11,718.24 crore and over 6.39 lakh administrative units involved, the Census is expected to play a key role in shaping future government policies and development plans.
March 30, 2026, 5:45 PM IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
