New Delhi: Census operations across the country commenced today, marking the beginning of India’s eighth census. More than 3.1 million officials are being deployed to enumerate a population exceeding 1.4 billion people. However, due to the ongoing Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, census operations in the state are scheduled to begin on July 17.
Two-phase census after long delay
The census, originally scheduled for 2021, has finally commenced following a prolonged delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase of operations is currently underway and will run from April 1 to May 15. The second phase of operations is scheduled to begin in February 2027.
The first phase of the census will feature 33 questions pertaining to the listing of households and housing amenities. These questions will cover details such as the type of dwelling—whether it is a thatched house, a tiled-roof house, or a multi-storied building—and the availability of toilet facilities. The second phase will involve a comprehensive enumeration covering aspects such as education, migration patterns, birth rates, and caste-based demographics.
Digital census for the first time
For the first time in India’s history, census data is being recorded and stored in a digital format rather than on paper. Members of the public also have the option to upload their details themselves via an online portal. The self-enumeration process is being conducted from today until April 15 in Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Odisha, Sikkim, Mizoram, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. The House-listing and Housing Census will be conducted from April 16 to May 15 in these regions.
Members of the public can fill out the application themselves on the Central Government’s self-enumeration portal by providing their mobile numbers and other basic details. Upon successful completion, a unique self-enumeration ID will be generated; citizens have been instructed to share this ID with the enumerators who visit for the census.
Tamil Nadu schedule
As for Tamil Nadu, the self-enumeration process is scheduled to be conducted from July 17 to July 31, followed by the House-listing Census from August 1 to August 30. The delay is due to the ongoing Assembly elections in the state, with polling set for April 23 and results on May 4.