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.
- Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS)
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.