Gujarat Government Unveils Detailed Timeline for Two-Phase Population Census
The Gujarat government has officially announced the comprehensive schedule for the upcoming population census, which will be conducted in two distinct phases. This massive administrative and statistical exercise will commence with the House Listing Operation (HLO) and conclude with the Population Enumeration (PE), ensuring a thorough and accurate count of the state's residents and their living conditions.
Phase One: House Listing Operation with Digital Innovation
The first phase, the House Listing Operation, is scheduled to take place from April to September of this year, with specific fieldwork dates set from April 20 to May 19, 2026. In a significant modernization effort, this phase will be preceded by a 15-day digital self-enumeration (SE) exercise from April 5 to April 19, 2026.
This innovative self-enumeration period allows residents to submit their information digitally before the physical survey begins. Officials emphasize that this digital step is designed to enhance public participation, improve data accuracy, and make the entire process more convenient and inclusive for all citizens.
Following the digital submission window, trained enumerators will conduct systematic house-to-house visits during the fieldwork period. During these visits, data will be collected on various aspects including the condition of houses, available assets, and basic facilities accessible to families. This comprehensive survey will cover every household across the state, ensuring no area is overlooked.
Phase Two: Population Enumeration in 2027
The second phase, the Population Enumeration, is slated for February 2027. This phase will focus on counting the actual population, building upon the foundational data collected during the house listing operation. The staggered timeline allows for meticulous planning and execution of what is described as the country's largest administrative exercise.
Legal Framework and Government Appointments
The state government has recently issued notifications appointing census officers to oversee this critical exercise. These appointments are made in strict accordance with Section 4 of the Census Act, 1948 and Rule 3 of the Census Rules, 1990. The government has explicitly directed these officers to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity and responsibility to ensure the census is carried out smoothly, accurately, and within the established timelines.
The notification period for conducting the HLO was re-notified by the Gujarat government following a central government notification issued on January 7. A subsequent state notification dated February 2 provided the detailed fieldwork schedule, highlighting the government's commitment to a structured approach.
Confidentiality and Public Cooperation
Officials have assured that all information collected during the census will be kept strictly confidential. The data will be used exclusively for statistical purposes as mandated under the Census Act 1948, protecting the privacy of individuals and households.
The government has issued a strong appeal to residents, urging them to extend full cooperation to census officials and actively participate in the process. This cooperation is deemed essential for the success of the census, which provides vital data for planning and development initiatives across the state.
By integrating digital self-enumeration with traditional house-to-house surveys, the Gujarat census aims to set a new standard for accuracy and efficiency in demographic data collection, ensuring every resident is counted in this monumental exercise.
