Self-enumeration for Census 2027 begins in Maharashtra on Friday, raising questions about digital access, data privacy, inclusion, and accuracy. In an interview with Nisha Nambiar, Dr Nirupama J Dange, joint secretary to the Government of India and chief principal census officer for Maharashtra, outlines how the state plans to balance technology with on-ground verification.
Addressing Digital Literacy Gaps
Dr Dange acknowledges that not all respondents will be able to complete self-enumeration online. Those who cannot will be covered by census staff between May 16 and June 14, who will visit all buildings and cover every home and household without exception. No one will be left out.
Data Privacy and Security Measures
Digital data collection reduces the complex, costly, and lengthy extraction of data from paper to electronic records. Collected data is transferred directly from a house to the central server, minimizing the time to prepare the electronic database and enabling quicker publication of results. Both methods ensure accurate data collection.
A three-tier security system has been implemented on cellphones, during data transmission, and at the server level. Only designated personnel have access with password and OTP, and data is stored in encrypted format. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified data centres have been declared critical infrastructure, and a security audit is being conducted by reputed organisations.
Key Demographic and Socio-Economic Indicators
The questions for Phase I (houselisting) and Phase II (population enumeration) are different. Phase I collects data on house, household information, amenities, and assets, covering 33 questions on housing, sanitation, toilets, drinking water, cooking fuel, lighting, vehicles, and other assets. Phase II collects individual data on socioeconomic status, cultural, linguistic, and demographic characteristics, including religion, education, fertility, and migration. Questions for Phase I have been notified; those for Phase II are pending. No additional questions will be allowed once notified.
Overcoming Area-Wise Challenges
Enumerators are trained in different languages with the same content, and local officers can address local challenges with local strategies. Mapping applications help cover the entire area without omission or duplication.
Recording Relationship Status
The relationship of an individual to the head of the household is recorded. The census defines a household without prejudice, allowing members to be related, unrelated, or a mix. Blood or nuptial relation is not a precondition. There is an option to record 'unrelated'. The enumerator records the status as provided by the respondent.
Aadhaar Not Required
No document is required. Any request for bank details, UPI credentials, OTPs, or copies of Aadhaar or PAN is a red flag. Census officials never ask for such details or charge fees.
Handling Geolocation Errors
When the enumerator visits for data collection and matching of the self-enumeration ID, errors can be edited, or fresh data can be added. Accurate geolocation marking assigns a self-enumeration ID to the enumerator, who collects data afresh during the field visit if wrongly mapped.
Counting Inter-State Migrants and People Abroad
The census follows the extended de-facto method. All those living in a household are counted even if temporarily absent, provided they are Indian citizens. If no members are available during the entire houselisting period, the household is marked as locked. In population enumeration, all members available for at least a day during enumeration are included.
Homeless and Vulnerable Groups
The homeless will be counted during the night on the last day of population enumeration under special guidelines. Separate enumeration blocks will be created for slum areas in both phases. Data for these groups will be published separately.
