Live-in couples to be recognised as married in census, digital survey to collect 33 personal details starting April 1st

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The 16th census of the country will no longer be limited to just counting the population, but it will prepare a complete 'digital horoscope' of your lifestyle and living habits. The central government has released a list of 33 new questions for this mega campaign starting from April 1, 2026. This time the government will keep a close eye on everything from the structure of your house to the food grains used in the kitchen and the vehicle parked at the door. The most important thing is that for the first time, the people of the country are being given the facility to fill their information themselves on the online portal.

Historical change in census regarding live-in couples

The central government has taken a significant and historic step regarding the census, taking into account the changing nature of society. According to information released on the Self-Enumeration Portal, if a couple is living in a live-in relationship and considers it a stable relationship, they will officially be considered a married couple during the census. This is the first time in the country's history that such a modern social structure has been explicitly acknowledged in the official census form.

You will be able to enter your information on the portal yourself while sitting at home

Promoting Digital India, the government has launched a dedicated portal for those who wish to opt for self-enumeration. This means that you no longer have to wait for government officials to arrive; instead, you can enter your complete information online at your convenience. This digital facility will be available for both phases of the census: houselisting and population count. For public convenience, a list of all 33 frequently asked questions has also been uploaded to the portal.

Information will be collected from bricks of the house to grains in the kitchen

In this first phase, which begins on April 1st, questions will be asked door-to-door or online, capturing your entire lifestyle. It will begin with the building number and house number provided by the municipality. Officials will then inquire about the materials used in the home's floors, walls, and roof. They will also ask for details about basic amenities like drinking water and electricity, vehicles you own, such as a bicycle, scooter, or car, and the main cereals consumed by your family.

There will also be questioning of the head of the family and ownership rights

These 33 questions also gather crucial information about family structure. Officials will enter the name of the head of the household, their gender, and their community (SC, ST, or other) on the portal. The ownership status of the house will also be inquired, including whether the house is owned or rented. Furthermore, the total number of married couples living in the house will also be inquired, with the new live-in relationship rule fully implemented.