Phase 1 of India's 2027 Census, which includes house listing and housing census, has been successfully completed in 23 states and Union territories. This marks a significant milestone in the country's decennial population enumeration exercise.
Self-Enumeration Process in Kerala and Nagaland
A 15-day self-enumeration process is currently underway in Kerala and Nagaland. Field operations for this phase began on July 1 and will conclude on July 30. Residents in these states are encouraged to participate actively in the digital census initiative.
Digital Census Initiative
For the first time, the census exercise is being conducted digitally. A special mobile application has been developed for data collection, streamlining the process and enhancing accuracy. This technological shift aims to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency.
Second Phase Details
The second phase, known as population enumeration, is scheduled for February 2026. This phase will collect demographic, social, and economic details from households across the nation.
Reference Date Variation
The reference date for the census is March 1, 2027, for most states. However, for Ladakh and other snow-bound areas, the reference date is October 1, 2026, to account for climatic conditions.
Key Statistics
- Total Budget: Rs 11,718 crore allocated for the entire census exercise.
- Duration of Phase 1: Field operations lasted 30 days.
- Housing Census Questions: A total of 33 questions are included in the housing census.
- Reference Date: March 1, 2027, for most states; October 1, 2026, for Ladakh and snow-bound areas.
This digital transformation of the census process is expected to provide more accurate and timely data, aiding in policy formulation and resource allocation.
