Census 2027: India Prepares for Digital Population Count with New Initiatives

The Registrar General of India has instructed states and Union territories to appoint census functionaries by January 2026. The upcoming Census 2027 will involve digital processes, with field operations taken by 30 lakh personnel across the nation. The first phase occurs April-September 2026, followed by February 2027's population count.

The Registrar General of India has mandated all states and Union territories to finalize the appointment of census functionaries by January 15, 2026. This directive, outlined in a recent circular, is a step towards the digital Census 2027.

Enumerators and supervisors, who play a crucial role in data collection, will be tasked with handling population counts. Each enumerator will oversee 700-800 individuals, supported by a supervisor managing six enumerators. An additional 10% of reserve personnel will be on standby for unforeseen circumstances.

To streamline the process, a web-based Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) has been developed to ensure effective management and real-time progress tracking. The two-phase Census 2027 will commence with house listing in 2026, followed by the actual population enumeration in 2027.

(With inputs from agencies.)