New Delhi: In a historic shift, India’s upcoming 2027 Census will be conducted entirely through digital means, marking the first time the country’s population-counting exercise moves away from traditional paper-based enumeration. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, announced the development in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernizing one of the nation’s most significant administrative exercises.

Responding to a question from Sanatan Pandey, MP of the Samajwadi Party, Rai said that the government has decided to leverage mobile applications and online platforms for data collection during Census 2027. Citizens will be given the option to self-enumerate their information via a dedicated web portal, while enumerators will use mobile apps to record responses digitally. The process will be managed and monitored through a central digital platform to ensure seamless coordination across states and districts.

“This is a historic decision. Census 2027 will be conducted through digital means. Data will be collected via mobile apps, and respondents may also self-enumerate through a web portal. The entire process will be monitored through a dedicated portal to ensure efficiency and accuracy,” Rai said, as reported by news agency ANI.

Despite the shift to digital tools, core Census principles remain unchanged. Information will be recorded for every individual at the location where they are found during the enumeration period, ensuring that the data reflects actual population distribution. Migration-related details, such as place of birth, last residence, duration at the current location, and reasons for relocation, will continue to be captured in line with previous Census exercises.

Rai highlighted that the government maintains strict procedural standards, with the final Census questionnaire formally published in the Official Gazette before field operations commence. This ensures transparency and allows for public scrutiny of the questions to be asked during enumeration.

The Minister emphasized that digital enumeration is expected to streamline data collection, reduce logistical burdens, and improve overall accuracy. The use of mobile apps and web portals will allow enumerators to record responses in real time, reducing errors associated with manual data entry and improving the speed of data processing.

“This initiative will not only make the Census more efficient but also allow for better monitoring and supervision of field operations across the country. It reflects our focus on leveraging technology for governance and large-scale administrative exercises,” Rai added.

The 2027 Census is projected to be one of the largest digital surveys in the world, covering over 1.4 billion people across India. It is expected to integrate multiple levels of technology, including secure cloud storage, real-time data validation, geotagging, and analytics, to ensure accuracy and reliability of the population data.

Experts have welcomed the move, noting that digital enumeration could help reduce common issues such as duplicate entries, unrecorded individuals, and delayed data processing, which have historically challenged the Census. At the same time, the government has indicated plans to train enumerators extensively in using mobile apps and digital tools to ensure smooth field operations.

Officials have also clarified that privacy and data security will be key priorities. The Census will adhere to strict protocols to protect sensitive personal information, with access controlled through secure authentication and monitoring mechanisms.

The shift to a digital-first approach is part of India’s broader strategy to modernize public administration and integrate technology into governance. By enabling citizens to self-enumerate, the government aims to enhance public participation, reduce physical interaction, and make the process more user-friendly, particularly in the context of ongoing public health considerations and rapid urbanization.

In summary, Census 2027 represents a transformative step for India’s population data collection, blending traditional enumeration principles with modern digital infrastructure. Union Minister Rai’s announcement signals the beginning of preparations for what promises to be a landmark event in India’s administrative and technological journey, setting a new global benchmark for large-scale population surveys.

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