Census 2027 to be fully digital, self-enumeration from May 17
Official says exercise distinct from SIR
Chief Principal Census Officer and Director of Census Operations for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, on Wednesday shared comprehensive details regarding the upcoming Census 2027, which will be India’s first to be conducted entirely in digital mode.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sharma stated that Census 2027 would ensure complete confidentiality of individual data in accordance with the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.
“The Census will be carried out in two phases across the Union Territory, with the first phase of House Listing Operations and Housing Census scheduled from June 1 to June 30, 2026, preceded by a 15-day self-enumeration period from May 17 to May 31, 2026. Population enumeration in non-snow-bound areas will be undertaken in February 2027, while snow-bound areas will be covered earlier in September 2026 as per notified timelines,” he said.
He highlighted that the option of self-enumeration, wherein people can submit their own information through an online portal, is a first-time feature and a unique initiative of Census 2027.
Emphasising the digital aspect, he said data collection on household amenities and assets would be carried out through mobile applications equipped with in-built validation checks. A web-based Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) will enable real-time monitoring and efficient execution of Census activities.
He further stated that extensive preparatory work has already been completed, including the freezing of administrative boundaries, conduct of pre-tests, development of training modules in multiple languages and appointment of Census functionaries at district and field levels. Training of Census functionaries, enumerators and supervisors is currently underway to ensure accuracy and uniformity in data collection.
Sharma also clarified that Census 2027 is entirely distinct from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He stated that while SIR pertains to the revision of voter lists, the Census is a comprehensive national exercise for collecting demographic, socio-economic and housing data for policy planning and governance.
