PM Narendra Modi Completes Self-Enumeration As India Begins Digital Census

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday completed his self-enumeration, formally initiating the first phase of Census 2027, India’s inaugural fully digital census exercise.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Completed my self enumeration. Today marks the beginning of the first phase of Census 2027, relating to house listing and housing operations. This census is the first time data collection is being done through digital means. It also empowers the people of India to self-enumerate their household details.”

“I appeal to the people of India to self-enumerate their household details themselves and participate in the Census process,” the post read.

The upcoming census signifies a major shift in methodology. Data collection will now be carried out entirely through digital platforms. This replaces the paper-based system that has been followed for over 150 years.

Exercise to Be Conducted in Two Phases

The exercise will be conducted in two stages under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.

The initial stage, known as the House Listing and Housing Census (HLO), is designed to collect detailed information on housing conditions, household assets, amenities, and related parameters through 33 specified questions.

The self-enumeration option will remain open for a 15-day window before door-to-door data collection begins across states and Union Territories. This is intended to improve accuracy and encourage wider participation.

The portal supports multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and 14 regional languages, making it accessible to diverse users. The first phase will be implemented in a staggered manner between April and September 2026.

Regions such as parts of New Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, and Sikkim will begin self-enumeration.

The process will take place from April 1 to April 15. This phase will also be followed by in-person surveys conducted from April 16 to May 15. Other regions will adopt similar timelines.

The second phase will focus on population enumeration. It is scheduled for early 2027, with March 1, 2027, set as the reference date.

Following a gap since the last census in 2011, the digital approach is expected to deliver quicker and more reliable data. This is expected to support governance and development planning.

The government has also released 33 frequently asked questions to assist citizens, clarifying that no documents are required for self-enumeration.

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