Census first phase to be held from April 1 to Sept. 30 this year, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The first phase of Census 2027, the houselisting operations (HLO), will occur from April 1 to September 30, 2026, across all States and Union Territories.
• Each State and Union Territory will conduct this phase over a 30-day period, with specific dates to be determined by the respective State/UT.
• A self-enumeration option will be available 15 days before the start of the houselisting phase.
• Census 2027 will be the first digital Census and the first to enumerate caste in Independent India.

Detailed Insights:

• The second phase of Census 2027, the population enumeration phase, is scheduled for February 2027, during which caste identities will be enumerated.
• A pre-test for the first phase was conducted from November 10 to 30 of the previous year, involving 35 questions related to household characteristics.
• Approximately 30 lakh field functionaries will be deployed for data collection and supervision of Census operations.
• The decennial Census is the primary source of information on various aspects of demography, cultural, social, and economic characteristics of the population in India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Census: A complete enumeration of a population, typically recording demographics, socio-economic status, and other relevant information at a specific time.
• Houselisting Operations: The process of systematically listing and mapping all buildings and structures used for residential or other purposes within a defined area.
• Self-Enumeration: A method where individuals or households complete census questionnaires themselves, typically online or through mail-in forms.