In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet has approved a whopping Rs 11,718 crore allocation for Census 2027, underscoring the government's commitment to modernizing India's foundational data-collection exercise.
This substantial investment will power the nation's first fully digital census, transforming age-old paperwork into seamless mobile and web-based processes. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval, highlighting how it equips the country to capture precise demographic insights amid rapid urbanization and technological shifts. The funding covers everything from app development to nationwide digital infrastructure, ensuring no corner of India lags behind.
Census 2027 to be conducted in two phases- House listing between April and September 2026 and Population Enumeration in February 2027, added Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Digital shift: Mobile apps and self-enumeration lead the way
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai revealed in the Lok Sabha that Census 2027 will ditch traditional methods for cutting-edge digital tools. Enumerators will use mobile applications to gather data on the ground, while respondents gain the power of self-enumeration through a user-friendly web portal. A central dedicated portal will oversee the entire operation, enabling real-time monitoring and quality checks. Rai emphasized that this hybrid approach—blending field visits with online options—makes the process inclusive, efficient, and less prone to errors that plagued past censuses.
Phased rollout: Precision timing across diverse terrains
The census unfolds in two meticulously planned phases to accommodate India's vast geography. The first, House Listing and Housing Census, kicks off between April and September 2026, wrapping up in just 30 days per state for flexibility. The second phase, Population Enumeration, hits in February 2027, pegged to the reference date of 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027. Special provisions apply to snow-prone regions: Ladakh, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand shift to September 2026 with an October 1 reference date. This staggered timeline ensures accuracy even in remote, challenging areas.
