India's census 2027 kicks off: Houselisting and housing census begins today
About 55,000 households from these States/UTs availed Self-Enumeration facility on the very first day
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu leads the Nation as the First to complete Self-Enumeration
Vice-President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah also self enumerated online
Prime Minister appeals to the people of India to self-enumerate their household details themselves and participate in the Census process
Self-Enumeration started in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim, NDMC and Cantonment Board areas in Delhi
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The world's largest census exercise, Census 2027, has kicked off with the launch of Phase I - Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO). The Government of India has initiated this massive administrative and statistical exercise, marking the beginning of the country's most extensive data collection effort.
This is India's first-ever digital data capture and Self-Enumeration census, allowing citizens to participate online. The census began with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah completing their self-enumeration forms, setting an example for citizens.
The Self-Enumeration process has rolled out in eight States and Union Territories, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim, and parts of Delhi. Around 55,000 households have already used this facility on the first day. The Houselisting and Housing Census will follow in these regions from April 16 to May 15, 2026.
The Self-Enumeration portal (se.census.gov.in) is a secure, web-based platform available in 16 regional languages. Citizens can fill in their details online before the enumerator's visit, making the process more convenient. A unique Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) will be generated upon submission, which will be verified by the enumerator during their visit.
During the Houselisting and Housing Census phase, data on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets will be collected through 33 questions. This information will serve as a foundation for evidence-based planning, policy-making, and targeted welfare interventions.
The Houselisting and Housing Census will be conducted across the country between April 1 and September 30, 2026, with each State/UT undertaking a 30-day field operation. An additional 15-day window for Self-Enumeration is provided before the door-to-door survey.
The Census data is strictly confidential under the Census Act, 1948, and digital tools used for Census 2027 have robust encryption and multi-factor authentication to ensure data security. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the Census process, either through Self-Enumeration or by cooperating with enumerators during their visit.