Kanpur Gears Up for Landmark Digital Census 2027
Kanpur is set to embark on a significant national exercise as the first phase of the Census 2027 will commence in the city from May 22 to June 20, 2024. The entire enumeration process will be conducted in two comprehensive phases, marking a pivotal moment for data collection in the district.
Official Announcement and Strategic Planning
District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh chaired a crucial meeting with the district-level census co-ordination committee on Thursday to finalize the timeline, operational blueprint, and digital framework. He emphasized that this census represents the 16th national census and the eighth since Independence, serving as the most extensive and dependable source of primary data at granular levels including villages, cities, and wards.
Two-Phase Census Structure and Digital Innovation
The census will unfold in two distinct stages:
- First Phase (May 22 - June 20, 2024): This initial stage will focus on house listing and housing census, where surveyors will document critical details about residential and commercial structures.
- Second Phase (February 2027): The subsequent phase will involve the actual population counting, capturing demographic and socio-economic profiles of residents.
Singh highlighted a groundbreaking shift: the 2027 census will be entirely digital, introducing for the first time a self-enumeration option for citizens. This empowers residents to proactively participate in the data collection process.
Self-Enumeration and Detailed Data Collection
During a 15-day window prior to the census, individuals can utilize the Census Self-Enumeration Portal and mobile application to complete the online questionnaire independently. This initiative aims to enhance accuracy and convenience.
The house-listing phase will encompass an exhaustive assessment of 33 parameters, including:
- Building usage and construction materials
- Number of rooms and ownership status
- Availability of essential amenities like water, electricity, and toilets
- Type of cooking fuel used
- Household assets such as vehicles and televisions
This micro-level data will provide insights into housing conditions, basic amenities, demographic details, religion, language, literacy, education, economic activities, migration patterns, and fertility rates.
Logistical Preparations and Training Deadlines
To ensure a seamless execution, the district administration has mobilized 13,089 personnel for census duties across Kanpur. Singh issued strict directives for training completion:
- Master trainers must be trained by February 28, 2024
- Field trainers' training should conclude by March 31, 2024
- Enumerators and supervisors must be fully trained by May 15, 2024
Key Participants and Expert Presentation
The coordination meeting saw active participation from senior officials, including Deeksha Jain (CDO), Vivek Chaturvedi (ADM Fin & Rev), Avesh Khan (Additional Municipal Commissioner), and Manoj Kumar (District Panchayat Raj Adhikari). Assistant Director Census Dinesh Yadav, who traveled from Lucknow, delivered an informative presentation on the census methodology and digital protocols, underscoring the importance of this nationwide initiative.
