Census 2027 Begins Across Gujarat as India Launches First-Ever Fully Digital Population Count

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — India’s largest data collection exercise has officially begun, with the first phase of Census 2027 commencing across Gujarat and the rest of the country on June 1. Marking the nation’s 16th Census and the eighth since Independence, the exercise is set to create history as India’s first fully digital census, leveraging technology, geo-mapping and online data collection to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Authorities have urged citizens to actively cooperate with census teams and provide correct information, warning that furnishing false details or refusing to participate may invite legal action. At the same time, officials have clarified that citizens will not be asked to share sensitive information such as income details, bank account information or personal documents.

In Gujarat, large-scale House Listing and Housing Census Operations (HLO) have begun, including in Rajkot district, where trained enumerators and supervisors have entered the field to carry out the first phase of the exercise.

State Census Director Sujal J. Mayatra said the census process has already received encouraging participation through self-enumeration.

“Many citizens have already submitted information through the self-enumeration process. From June 1, enumerators have started door-to-door visits across the state to collect data on 33 different parameters. Citizens can also correct any information provided earlier during self-enumeration,” Mayatra said.

According to official figures, Gujarat has deployed 1,09,038 enumerators and 18,254 supervisors for the census operation. The exercise covers 1,10,598 House Listing Blocks across urban and rural areas. Enumerators have undergone extensive training and will use digital tools and geo-mapping technology while visiting households.

Rajkot district alone has mobilised 2,711 enumerators and 446 supervisors to cover 11 talukas, six municipal areas and one industrial notified area. An additional reserve force of 271 enumerators and 48 supervisors has also been kept on standby to address any unforeseen requirements.

Ward No. 12 In-charge Officer Rajesh Chatrabhuj said citizens have responded positively to the campaign.

“The public is cooperating wholeheartedly by providing basic information about their families and homes. This positive response is helping us conduct the house listing process smoothly and efficiently,” he said.

The census will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, running from June 1 to June 30, 2026, focuses on housing and household data through 33 questions covering drinking water, sanitation, housing conditions and other assets. The second phase, scheduled from February 9 to 28, 2027, will include the main population enumeration.

For the first time, census officials will also collect information on internet usage, smartphone ownership, bottled water consumption and the grain most commonly consumed by households. Officials believe these new questions will provide valuable insights into India’s changing social and economic landscape.