Implementation of Digital Self-Enumeration Phases for Census 2027 in Bihar and Telangana
Introduction
The Census of India 2027 has initiated its digital self-enumeration phase in the states of Bihar and Telangana, marking a transition toward a fully digitized national demographic exercise.
Main Body
In Bihar, the self-enumeration process commenced on April 17 and is scheduled to conclude on May 1. As of Sunday, the directorate of census operations reported a total of 24.35 lakh completed entries. Quantitative analysis of the data indicates that Vaishali district recorded the highest volume of submissions at 4.12 lakh, followed by Madhubani with 3.97 lakh. Other high-performing districts include Khagaria, Gopalganj, and Bhojpur. Notably, Patna ranked sixth despite its higher urbanization levels. Participation rates showed a significant upward trend, increasing from approximately 32,000 entries on the first day to a daily average of 3.04 lakh by the eighth day. Following the digital phase in Bihar, a secondary stage involving house-listing and a housing census will occur from May 2 to May 31. This phase will utilize approximately 2.60 lakh supervisors and enumerators, primarily recruited from the teaching profession, to conduct door-to-door visits across 38 districts. Individuals who did not utilize the online portal will be recorded during this period, while those who did must verify their data using a 12-digit alpha-numeric identification code. The data collection instrument consists of 33 objective questions designed to profile socio-economic conditions, asset ownership, and demographic composition for the purpose of evidence-based policy formulation. Simultaneously, Telangana initiated its self-enumeration phase on April 26, with the process slated to run until May 10. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla inaugurated the exercise, characterizing it as the first census since the state's formation. This phase will be succeeded by digital house-listing operations from May 11 to June 9. State officials have emphasized that the transition to a fully digital census is intended to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and accuracy of data collection, which serves as the primary basis for the allocation of resources and the design of healthcare, education, and infrastructure policies.
Conclusion
The Census 2027 exercise is currently transitioning from initial digital self-registration to field-based verification and house-listing in both Bihar and Telangana to ensure comprehensive demographic coverage.