Overview of the Digital Census 2027

Overview of the Digital Census 2027

• The 2027 Census will be India’s first major digital Census, enabling real-time data collection using smartphone-based mobile applications.
• Aim: Faster publication and greater accuracy in data to help improve policy formulation and scheme implementation.

Relevance : GS 2(Digital Governance, Social Justice)

Key Digital Tools

• Two mobile apps:
  • Census 2021-Household
  • PE-Census 2021 (Population Enumeration)
• A web-based portal:
  • Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS)
    ➤ To manage appointments, monitor field progress, and auto-generate records.

Features & Capabilities

• Real-time monitoring of each enumerator’s fieldwork via CMMS.
• Digital entry reduces manual data digitisation delays seen in earlier censuses.
• Provisions remain for paper schedules in case of connectivity issues in remote areas.

Scale and Logistics

• Estimated to cover 33 crore households and 136 crore individuals.
• About 30 lakh enumerators will be deployed across 24 lakh enumeration blocks, each block covering ~800 people.

Comprehensive Caste Data Collection

• For the first time in Independent India, the Census will include comprehensive caste data.
• Existing mobile applications will be updated to accommodate caste-related questions.

Challenges Highlighted

• App-related user issues already reported:
  • Login difficulties
  • Data deletion due to lack of edit options
• Ensuring digital literacy and technical training for lakhs of enumerators will be critical.

Importance and Policy Implications

• Reduces time lag — earlier Census outputs took up to a decade to be fully released.
• Enables data-driven governance, improving targeting and effectiveness of welfare schemes.
• Supports evidence-based decisions in health, education, urban planning, and employment.

Broader Significance

• Reflects India’s push towards digital governance and public data systems.
• Sets the stage for integrating digital tools in large-scale public data projects.
• Ensures accountability, transparency, and efficiency in Census operations.