Lucknow: In a landmark move towards data-driven governance, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday formally launched the first phase of the Census 2027 exercise, introducing the state’s first-ever digital census system along with a citizen-led self-enumeration facility.
The launch ceremony, held at the Chief Minister’s residence in Lucknow, marked the beginning of the house listing and housing census operations, under the theme “Our Census, Our Development.”
Citizens Can Self-Enumerate for the First Time
For the first time in Uttar Pradesh, citizens will be able to participate directly in the census process through a self-enumeration window from 7 May to 21 May 2026. During this period, individuals can enter their details on a dedicated digital platform.
After the self-enumeration phase, field officials will conduct door-to-door verification and data collection to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Digital Census for Faster, Transparent Data Collection
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the digital census initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to make the process more transparent, efficient, and real-time driven.
A special census portal has been developed to monitor progress up to the village and ward level. Officials stated that the digital system will significantly improve the speed and reliability of data collection.
Inclusion of Caste Data and Forest Villages
This census will introduce several key expansions compared to previous exercises:
- Inclusion of caste-based enumeration
- First-time inclusion of forest villages
- Complete digital tracking of enumeration activities
Officials described these additions as crucial for designing more inclusive development policies.
Massive Workforce Deployment
The census operation will be one of the largest administrative exercises in the state, covering Uttar Pradesh’s vast population and geography.
Key deployment figures include:
- 5.47 lakh total personnel
- 4.50 lakh enumerators
- 85,000 supervisors
- 12,000 state and district-level officers
- Around 5.35 lakh personnel already trained for the two-phase process
The exercise will cover all administrative units, including 18 divisions, 75 districts, 350 tehsils, 17 municipal corporations, 745 urban local bodies, and over 1 lakh revenue villages.
Population Data and Coverage
Officials estimate Uttar Pradesh’s population at approximately 25.7 crore. The census will be conducted across both urban and rural regions, ensuring complete coverage of households and individuals.
Development Planning Based on Accurate Data
The Chief Minister emphasized that census data forms the backbone of modern governance, enabling better planning in sectors such as:
- Infrastructure development
- Education
- Healthcare
- Social welfare schemes
- Targeted delivery of government benefits
He said accurate data ensures that development reaches every section of society, including the most marginalized.
Appeal for Public Participation
Calling the census a national responsibility, the Chief Minister urged citizens to actively participate in the exercise and provide accurate information. He stressed that individuals should ensure they are counted only once and at the correct location.
“Correct and factual data is essential for effective planning and inclusive development,” he said.
With the launch of India’s first large-scale digital census framework at the state level, Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant step toward modernizing its data collection system. The initiative is expected to improve governance efficiency and strengthen long-term development planning across the state.
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