Census 2026-27: Homeless Population to Be Enumerated in Second Phase, Not Initial House Listing
In a significant update regarding the upcoming nationwide Census 2026-27, authorities have clarified that homeless individuals will not be counted during the first phase of house listing. This decision was announced by Palamu district census officer Kundan Kumar on Tuesday, who stated that this vulnerable group will instead be covered comprehensively in the second phase, which involves detailed population enumeration.
Official Clarification on Census Methodology
Kumar emphasized the importance of including all segments of society, stating that houseless families are as crucial as those with permanent residences for an accurate national count. He explained, "Houseless households fall under the third category of the house listing process," noting that the other two primary categories are normal households and institutional households.
The officer provided further insights into the classification criteria, highlighting that a common kitchen serves as the key determinant for identifying both normal and institutional households. "People living together — whether they are related or unrelated — will be treated as a single household if they share a common kitchen," Kumar elaborated, ensuring clarity for census enumerators.
Specific Guidelines for Paying Guest Accommodations
Addressing a common point of confusion, Kumar clarified the status of paying guest (PG) accommodations in the census framework. "If a PG facility is officially registered, it will be categorised as an institutional household; otherwise, it will be treated as a normal household," he said. This distinction aims to streamline data collection and avoid overlaps or omissions.
Training Initiative Launched in Daltonganj
Preparations for the massive census exercise are already underway, with a three-day training programme commencing in Daltonganj on Monday. This session involves 61 field trainers who will be instrumental in conducting the house listing phase across the region. The training focuses on equipping them with the necessary skills to accurately identify and classify households according to the established guidelines.
The decision to delay the counting of homeless people until the second phase is part of a structured approach to ensure thorough and efficient data collection. By separating the processes, authorities aim to minimize errors and enhance the reliability of the census results, which are vital for policy-making and resource allocation.
