he nationwide Census 2027 will begin from April 1, and preparations are in the final stage. This census will be different and more detailed compared to previous ones. Registrar General and Census Commissioner Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan said in a press conference that this time the process will be fully digital, and people will be asked detailed questions about their lifestyle.
Data Will Remain Completely Confidential
One of the most important points is that all personal data collected during the census will remain strictly confidential. It will not be shared under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, cannot be used as evidence in court, and will not be given to any other agency. This means that the information provided by citizens will remain fully secure.
When Will Caste Census Be Conducted?
The census will be conducted in two phases.
- First phase: Information about houses and their facilities will be collected.
- Second phase: Social, economic, and personal details of people living in households will be recorded.
For the first time, a self-enumeration option will also be available. People can fill in their details online within a 15-day window.
However, officials will still visit homes and verify the information using ID documents, reducing the chances of errors.
Regarding caste census, officials said that caste-related questions will be included in the second phase, and details will be shared once the questionnaire is finalized.
33 Questions to Be Asked in the First Phase
The government has finalized 33 questions for the first phase, focusing on daily life and living conditions.
These include:
- Type of house (materials used for walls, roof, and floor)
- Purpose and condition of the house
- Family details such as head of the household, gender, social category (SC/ST/others), number of members, and marital status
Questions on Facilities and Living Standards
The census will also collect detailed information about household facilities, such as:
- Source of drinking water
- Electricity supply
- Availability and type of toilet
- Wastewater drainage system
- Kitchen and gas connection
It will also assess economic status by asking about assets like:
- TV, internet, laptop, and mobile
- Bicycle, bike, or car
Even the type of food grains mainly consumed by the family will be recorded.
Live-in Couples to Be Counted as Married
An interesting change is that couples in a live-in relationship will be considered married if they declare themselves to be in a stable relationship. This guideline has been mentioned in the FAQs released on the census portal.
