Shillong, May 1: The self-enumeration process for the 2027 Census commenced across Meghalaya on Friday, marking a significant step towards India’s first fully digital census.
Meghalaya’s Census Operations Director, Biswajit Pegoo, described the 2027 Census as a historic initiative, noting that it will be the 16th census overall and the 8th since independence.
Approximately 9,000 enumerators and supervisors will be deployed throughout the state, supported by a robust multi-tier monitoring system to ensure data collection accuracy.
The administrative boundaries of Meghalaya have been stabilized for the census until December 31, 2025. The work will be overseen by Deputy Commissioners acting as Chief Census Officers, with assistance from charge officers, supervisors, and enumerators.
Census officials have urged citizens to actively participate in the self-enumeration process and cooperate with local staff to ensure accurate and comprehensive data for inclusive development and evidence-based governance.
A key feature of this census is that, for the first time, the entire process—from counting to data analysis—will be conducted digitally using mobile apps and the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) portal.
Citizens can opt for self-enumeration online from May 1 to May 15, allowing them to fill in their household details, which enumerators will later verify through home visits. Officials expect this initiative to enhance transparency, accuracy, and public participation.
The 2027 Census will be conducted in two phases. The first phase includes self-enumeration and housing listing (HLO), with HLO scheduled from May 16 to June 14, during which enumerators will collect data on housing conditions, property, and basic amenities through a standardized questionnaire with 33 questions.
Phase 2, the population enumeration phase, is set for February 2027, with a reference date of March 1, 2027.
Pegoo also highlighted the legal framework governing this process, stating that the census is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act of 1948 and the Census Rules of 1990.
He emphasized that digital transformation will improve data quality through pre-loaded questionnaires in mobile apps, speeding up data processing for timely results.
Describing the methodology, officials noted that data collection will utilize dedicated mobile apps operated by enumerators and supervisors on smartphones. The CMMS portal will oversee all activities, including training, monitoring, and creating geo-coded housing listing blocks through HLB creators. Data submitted via self-enumeration will be verified during field visits before final submission.
Regarding data security, Pegoo assured that strict measures are in place to maintain confidentiality. Personal and household-level data will remain confidential, with only aggregated data released for policy-making and development planning.
Mobile numbers collected during this process will be used solely for communication and verification purposes. All general and institutional families will be included in the census, although certain categories, such as foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel, will be excluded during the housing listing phase.
Joint Director of the Census Operations Directorate in Meghalaya, Subhasish Chatterjee, announced the launch of a national toll-free helpline (1855) to assist citizens before the 2027 Census. This helpline will address queries related to the census process, including housing listing and population counting, while providing timely information and resolving issues.
Officials emphasized the importance of public awareness and stated that media professionals play a crucial role in disseminating accurate information, dispelling misconceptions, and encouraging citizens to participate confidently and correctly in the 2027 Census.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.