Big shift in Census 2026: Gujarat to introduce online self-enumeration before field survey

Rashmi Pandey — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:55:18 +0000

Gujarat is set to witness a major technological shift in population data collection as the National Census 2026 begins across the state from June 1 with a first-of-its-kind digital self-enumeration process.

Speaking about the preparations, Sujal J. Mayatra said citizens will be able to submit household details online before physical field operations begin, marking a significant transition from the traditional paper-based enumeration system followed in previous Census exercises.

According to officials, the self-enumeration facility will allow residents to digitally upload demographic and household-related information through an online portal and mobile-based platforms. The initiative is aimed at improving accuracy, reducing manual errors and speeding up the massive data collection exercise.

The Census operation in Gujarat will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will focus on house listing and housing census activities, while the second phase will involve population enumeration and demographic data verification by field officials. Authorities said trained enumerators and supervisors will still conduct physical verification and assist citizens who are unable to access digital platforms.

Officials stated that strict data protection protocols and secure digital systems are being put in place to safeguard citizens’ information during the process. Awareness campaigns are also expected to begin across urban and rural areas to familiarise people with the online submission mechanism.

The upcoming Census is considered particularly significant because India’s last full Census operation was conducted in 2011. The 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a long gap in updated demographic, migration and socio-economic data.

Government officials believe the use of digital technology in Census 2026 could help create faster and more efficient population databases for policy planning, welfare schemes, infrastructure development and administrative decisions.

The Gujarat administration has also begun logistical preparations, including training programmes for enumerators, digital infrastructure upgrades and coordination with district-level authorities ahead of the June rollout.

SujalJMayatra | Business Upturn

Big shift in Census 2026: Gujarat to introduce online self-enumeration before field survey