Census 2027 Phase 1 Commences in Bengaluru with Extensive House-to-House Visits
The initial phase of Census 2027 has officially begun within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits, marking the start of comprehensive house-to-house visits by enumerators. This critical data collection effort was launched on Thursday, with GBA special commissioner Munish Moudgil making a public appeal for resident cooperation. He emphasized that the process is designed to be efficient, typically taking less than 10 minutes per household to complete.
Low Response to Self-Enumeration Prompts Mandatory In-Person Visits
Prior to this phase, citizens were offered the opportunity for self-enumeration through an online portal available from April 1 to April 15. However, Moudgil reported a disappointingly low response rate in Bengaluru, with only approximately 2% of residents utilizing this digital option. As a result, the self-enumeration portal has now been closed, making it necessary for all residents to provide their details directly to the enumerators during the scheduled visits.
Massive Deployment of Staff and Legal Mandates Under the Census Act
To facilitate this large-scale operation, GBA has mobilized a total of 26,616 personnel across the five city corporations. This workforce includes 23,705 enumerators and 2,912 supervisors, all tasked with ensuring accurate data collection. Moudgil clarified that participation in the census is not optional; it is mandatory under the Census Act of 1948. Legal action will be pursued against individuals who refuse to comply, underscoring the importance of this national exercise.
Detailed Questionnaire and Preparatory Nature of the First Phase
During the visits, enumerators will ask 33 questions focused on family demographics and living conditions. This initial phase serves as a preliminary step ahead of the more detailed census scheduled for February 2027. The questionnaire covers a wide range of topics, including:
- The number of rooms in the residence
- Materials used for the floor, walls, and ceiling
- Sources of water and types of latrines
- Vehicles owned by the family
Notably, a question regarding the caste of the head of the family—categorized as SC/ST, OBC, or others—has been included in this first phase. However, detailed caste information will be collected in subsequent phases of the census.
Mop-Up Round Planned for Office-Going Population
Recognizing that many residents may be unavailable during daytime hours due to work commitments, GBA is organizing a mop-up round. Moudgil announced that this supplementary effort will commence one week after the initial house visits begin. It will be conducted between 6 PM and 9 PM, specifically targeting households that were missed during the first round. This initiative aims to ensure comprehensive coverage and minimize gaps in data collection.
The successful execution of this phase is crucial for gathering foundational data that will inform government policies and resource allocation. Residents are encouraged to prepare necessary documents and cooperate fully with the enumerators to support this vital national initiative.
