Porvorim: The Census of India 2027, which will be the first fully digital census in the country and one of the largest administrative and statistical exercises, is set to begin, laying the foundation for governance, planning, policy formulation and inclusive development. The 2027 Census will be the 16th Census in India and the 8th since Independence. The census will be conducted in two phases, with Phase I – Houselisting and Housing Census scheduled in Goa from April 16 to May 15, 2026, while the public can opt for self-enumeration from April 1 to April 15, 2026 through the official portal. Phase II – Population Enumeration will be conducted from February 9 to February 28, 2027 across the country, and census data will be released with the reference date of March 1, 2027.
The census will be conducted under the Census Act, 1948, and census records will remain confidential as per the provisions of the Act. The public is required to cooperate with census officials, allow entry into their homes, permit house numbering, and provide accurate information. Penalties are prescribed under the Act for providing false information or obstructing census duties. In Goa, collectors have been appointed as Principal Census Officers at the district level, while Deputy Collectors, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Mamlatdars will serve as Census Charge Officers. A total of 2,886 enumerators and supervisors, mainly teachers and government officials, have been appointed for the exercise.
The entire data collection process will be conducted in digital mode through a mobile application, self-enumeration portal and digital monitoring system. During Phase I, a 33-point questionnaire will collect information on housing conditions, household details, amenities such as drinking water, sanitation and electricity, cooking fuel, assets like vehicles, television, computer, internet access and other socio-economic indicators. Officials have urged the public to participate actively and provide accurate information, stating that every household’s participation is important for planning and development.
