Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government announced that the upcoming population Census will be conducted in two phases, starting with the House Listing Operation (HLO) followed by Population Enumeration (PE), as part of the country’s largest administrative and statistical exercise.
Two-Phase Census in Gujarat
According to the state government, the first phase, House Listing Operation (HLO), will be conducted from April 20 to May 19, 2026, preceded by a Self-Enumeration (SE) phase from April 5 to April 19, 2026. This digital self-enumeration will allow residents to submit information online, ensuring greater accuracy and convenience.
The second phase, Population Enumeration (PE), is scheduled for February 2027, during which trained enumerators will visit each household to collect detailed population data.
Appointment of Census Officers
The government has recently issued a notification appointing Census Officers to oversee the exercise in accordance with Section 4 of the Census Act 1948 and Rule 3 of the Census Rules 1990.
Census Officers are expected to perform their duties with sincerity and responsibility, ensuring the smooth and accurate completion of both HLO and PE within the stipulated timelines.
Focus on Accuracy and Public Participation
The Self-Enumeration phase is aimed at facilitating public participation and improving data accuracy. Following this, enumerators will conduct a house-to-house survey collecting information on:
- Condition of houses
- Assets and basic facilities available to families
- Household demographics across Gujarat
All data collected during the Census will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
Importance of Census Data
Officials highlighted that Census data will play a critical role in policy-making, planning, and development, contributing to the socio-economic growth of both Gujarat and India. The government urged residents to cooperate fully with officials and participate actively in the process.
