West Bengal Launches Self-Enumeration for 2027 Census

West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has launched the self-enumeration process for the 2027 census, highlighting its constitutional significance. The initiative is part of a nationwide effort, with the self-enumeration facility available from August 1 to August 15. The first phase of the census has already been completed in 29 states and union territories, with Tamil Nadu and Tripura recently starting their processes. The census will utilize digital tools for data collection, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to guidelines set by the Census Authority of India. This marks a significant step in modernizing the census process.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2026, 17:12 IST

Initiation of Self-Enumeration Process

On Saturday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari of West Bengal announced the commencement of the self-enumeration process for the 2027 census. During a press conference, he emphasized that it is the responsibility of the West Bengal government to implement the guidelines and orders issued by the Census Authority of India. He stated that the self-enumeration process is a constitutional duty being followed nationwide, not just in West Bengal. Adhikari remarked, "The state government will not take any separate actions. It is our duty to enforce the guidelines and directives provided by the Census Authority of India. This is a constitutional obligation being adhered to across the country, not limited to West Bengal. The facility for self-enumeration will be available on the census website from August 1 to August 15 for the state."

Progress of the 2027 Census

Meanwhile, the first phase of the 2027 census has been completed across 29 states and union territories. In Tamil Nadu and Tripura, the self-enumeration facility for house listing and housing census (HLO) was initiated on Friday, marking the start of the census process in these states. The first phase of the 2027 census has been successfully concluded in regions including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Details Collected During the Census Phase

During the house listing and housing census phase, information regarding housing conditions, family details, amenities, and property was gathered through a standardized questionnaire containing 33 specified questions. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) further stated, "All information collected under the Census Act of 1948 remains completely confidential and is used solely for statistical purposes and development planning."

Digital Tools for the 2027 Census

For the first time, the 2027 census will utilize digital tools, collecting data through a specialized mobile application while maintaining the traditional method of door-to-door enumeration.