Chandigarh: In a major step towards modernising India’s decennial population exercise, officials announced the rollout of Census 2027 Phase-I (Houselisting and Housing Census) with the introduction of digital tools and self-enumeration for the first time.
A joint press conference held in Chandigarh on April 24, 2026, was addressed by Dr. Navjot Khosa (IAS), Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Punjab & UT Chandigarh, and Manjit Singh Brar (IAS), Administrative Secretary, Department of Local Government, Punjab. The briefing outlined preparations, timelines, and key innovations planned for the upcoming census.
Census 2027: Key Milestone After Pandemic Delay
Officials highlighted that Census 2027 will be conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990. It will mark the 16th Census in India and the 8th since Independence.
The last Census was conducted in 2011, while the 2021 exercise was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this edition particularly significant for updated socio-economic and demographic data.
Two-Phase Census Plan Detailed
Census 2027 will be carried out in two phases:
Phase-I: Houselisting and Housing Census
- Self-Enumeration: April 30, 2026 to May 14, 2026
- House-to-House Enumeration: May 15, 2026 to June 13, 2026
Phase-II: Population Enumeration
- Scheduled from February 9, 2027 to February 28, 2027
Phase-I will collect detailed information on housing conditions, amenities, and household assets, forming the foundation for the population enumeration phase.
Self-Enumeration and Digital Census for the First Time
Dr. Navjot Khosa emphasized that Census 2027 will mark a historic shift with digital enumeration being introduced for the first time.
Citizens will be able to self-enumerate through the official online portal: https://se.census.gov.in
Upon submitting their details, participants will receive a unique Self-Enumeration Reference ID, which must be shared with enumerators during field verification.
The census will also leverage:
- Mobile applications for data collection
- Real-time monitoring via Census Management and Monitoring System
- Web-based mapping for accurate creation of houselisting blocks
Extensive Administrative Preparations in Punjab
Manjit Singh Brar, who is also the State Nodal Officer for Census, outlined the scale of preparations undertaken across Punjab.
Key arrangements include:
- Creation of houselisting blocks across the state
- Deployment of approximately 67,000 enumerators and supervisors (including reserve staff)
- Structured, phased training programs
Training progress includes:
- 52 Master Trainers trained (36 from the state and 16 from Directorate of Census Operations Punjab)
- 932 Field Trainers prepared
- Training of enumerators and supervisors scheduled from April 16 to May 9, 2026 across multiple locations
These efforts aim to ensure smooth and efficient execution of the census process.
Media Urged to Boost Awareness and Participation
Officials stressed the importance of media as a pillar of democracy and called for proactive support in:
- Spreading awareness about self-enumeration
- Encouraging citizen participation
- Countering misinformation, especially regarding digital processes and data privacy
Residents were urged to provide accurate information and fully cooperate with census officials.
Data Confidentiality and Public Support Assured
Authorities reiterated that all data collected during the census will remain strictly confidential and will be used solely for statistical purposes, in line with legal provisions.
A national toll-free helpline (1855) will be operational in Punjab from April 30, 2026, to assist citizens with queries related to:
- Self-enumeration
- Houselisting operations
- Grievance redressal
Why Census 2027 Matters
Officials underscored that census data is a critical resource for:
- Development planning
- Welfare scheme formulation
- Strengthening public service delivery
With the introduction of digital tools and self-enumeration, Census 2027 is expected to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and public participation in one of the world’s largest administrative exercises.
