Gujarat Delays Census Rollout as Election Preparations Take Center Stage

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — In a significant administrative decision, the Gujarat government has postponed the state’s census exercise that was scheduled to begin on April 5. The move comes in view of the upcoming local body elections, which officials say could interfere with the large-scale data collection process.

Reliable sources confirmed that the Census Department had recommended a delay, and the government has now approved the proposal. A fresh schedule for the census will be announced later.

“This decision ensures both the elections and the census are conducted smoothly without logistical conflicts,” a senior official said.

Nationwide Census Phase Already Underway

While Gujarat pauses its plans, the first phase of the nationwide census has already begun across India from April 1 and will continue until September 30, 2026. The initial stage focuses on house listing, a foundational step in the population count.

The second phase, scheduled for February 2027, will mark a historic development. For the first time since 1931, caste-related data will be collected during the census.

Officials say the exercise will include 33 questions, covering household details and demographic information.

India’s First Fully Digital Census

The upcoming census marks a technological milestone for the country. For the first time, data will be collected entirely through digital means. Enumerators will use smartphone applications to record information in real time, eliminating the need for paper forms and reducing delays in data processing.

A geo-referencing technique will also be used to map every house digitally. This approach aims to ensure that no household is left out and that duplication is avoided.

“Digital data collection will make the census faster, more accurate and transparent,” a government source explained.

Public Advisory: Questions Citizens Should Avoid Answering

Authorities have also issued a public advisory warning citizens about misinformation and potential misuse during the survey process. Residents have been urged not to share certain sensitive details if asked.

Citizens should not provide:

Income or bank balance information

Aadhaar, PAN or other identity documents on demand

Bank account details or OTPs

Officials stressed that such information is not part of the census questionnaire.

Local Body Elections on April 26

The postponement comes as Gujarat prepares for large-scale civic polls scheduled for April 26. Voting will be held for over 10,000 seats across municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats and taluka panchayats.