New Delhi: The census, delayed by almost five years mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to finally kick off in two days’ time.
Phase 1 of Census 2027, to be held from April to September 2026, will comprise houselisting.
Then comes population enumeration in Phase 2, in February 2027, with the reference date being March 1, 2027 (00:00 hours).
A significant clause in the upcoming census is about live-in couples. Those living together will be counted as a married couple if they consider their relationship as a “stable union” whether during self-enumeration or when an enumerator visits the household.
The clarification comes under the FAQ section of the census website.
To a question on “Will a couple in a live-in relationship be considered a married couple?”, the answer states: “If they (the couple) consider their relationship as a stable union, they should be treated as a married couple.”
The number of married couples in a household is one of 33 questions to be asked during the houselisting phase, according to news18.com.
First phase from April 1
Phase 1 will run for 45 days between April 1 and September 30, with dates to be notified separately for each state and Union territory. The first 15 days will be for self-enumeration, followed by a 30-day period for field visits by enumerators.
Respondents won’t be required to provide any document. Information will have to be given based on their knowledge and belief, and enumerators must record it as declared.
Self-enumeration will begin in Delhi’s NDMC area on April 1 through a dedicated online portal. It can be completed by the head of the household or any responsible adult after OTP-based verification, in English and 15 Indian languages.
Details of all usual members of the household can be entered using a single access.
An important step is to accurately mark the house location. Users have to select the district, enter the PIN code and provide details of their area.
When a geotagged map appears, the respondent has to place the marker exactly on the house. Incorrect marking may lead to the data not appearing in the enumerator’s system.
The form can be submitted after entering all details about housing. There is the option of filling the form in parts, and saving it as draft, during the 15-day period.
After submission, an SE ID will be generated, which must be shared with the enumerator during their visit for verification and final upload.
All submitted data will be encrypted and stored on secure government servers. Any changes after submission can be made only by the enumerator.
The self-enumeration portal can only be accessed in India.
