Lucknow | The Directorate of Census Operations Uttar Pradesh on Monday outlined an extensive roadmap for the upcoming Census 2027, assuring citizens that all personal data collected during the exercise will remain strictly confidential.
Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Director and Chief Principal Census Officer Sheetal Verma shared detailed information about the timelines, processes, and scale of preparations underway across the state.
Two-Phase Census Plan
Verma said the Census will be conducted in two phases in Uttar Pradesh. The first phase—house listing and housing census—will take place from May 22 to June 20, 2026. The second phase, focused on population enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027.
Prior to this, an optional self-enumeration window will be open from May 7 to May 21, allowing residents to submit their details online through the official census portal.
Self-Enumeration Optional, Door-to-Door Survey Mandatory
Clarifying the process, Verma emphasized that self-enumeration is voluntary. “Even if individuals opt for self-enumeration, enumerators will still visit every household between May 22 and June 20 for verification,” she said. Citizens completing the online process will receive a unique SE ID, which must be shared with enumerators during their visit.
Massive Workforce Mobilized
Highlighting the scale of the exercise, Verma revealed that more than 5.25 lakh personnel have been deployed across the state. This includes divisional commissioners, district magistrates, municipal commissioners, charge officers, trainers, and nearly five lakh enumerators and supervisors.
The Census will cover all 75 districts, 783 urban local bodies, 350 tehsils, and over 1.04 lakh villages, with approximately 3.9 lakh house-listing blocks created for systematic coverage.
First Fully Digital Census
In a significant shift, Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital census, integrating technology at every stage—from data collection to verification. The initiative aims to improve accuracy, efficiency, and speed in compiling national statistics.
Data Privacy Fully Protected
Reassuring the public, Verma stressed that all information collected will be protected under the provisions of the Census Act 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990.
“Personal data gathered during the Census is completely confidential. It cannot be shared with any agency, including for tax or police investigations, nor can it be used as legal evidence,” she clarified.
Toll-Free Helpline and Public Participation
To assist citizens, a toll-free helpline (1855) has been established for queries related to Census 2027. Verma also urged the media to play an active role in spreading awareness about the process.
She called upon citizens to cooperate fully with enumerators and provide accurate information. “The data collected is used in aggregated form to design welfare schemes and development policies. Every individual’s participation is crucial for building an inclusive and developed India,” she said.
Backbone of Policy Planning
Officials highlighted that Census data serves as the foundation for government planning, influencing decisions on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and welfare schemes.
With preparations in full swing, Uttar Pradesh is set to undertake one of the largest administrative exercises in the country—combining technology, manpower, and public participation to shape the roadmap for future development.
