Patna: Bihar has initiated preparations for the Census of India 2027, marking the country’s first attempt to conduct a census through digital means, with authorities launching a self-enumeration drive ahead of the formal survey phase.
The first phase, known as the House-listing and Housing Census (HLO), will be conducted from May 2 to May 31, during which officials will collect data on housing conditions, amenities and basic services across the state.
Self-Enumeration Begins
As part of the new digital framework, citizens have been given the option to submit their household details online through a self-enumeration portal between April 17 and May 1.
On the opening day, several senior leaders—including governor Syed Ata Hasnain, chief minister Samrat Choudhary and chief justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo—completed their self-enumeration, officials said.
They were joined by legislative council chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh and assembly speaker Prem Kumar.
Senior Officials Join Campaign
On the second day, deputy chief ministers Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Choudhary, along with chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit and development commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, also completed the process.
Officials said the participation of senior figures is intended to encourage wider public engagement in the exercise.
Data To Guide Policy
Authorities said the data collected during the HLO phase will form the basis for future development planning, resource allocation and welfare policies.
Ranjita, director of census operations in Bihar, urged residents to make use of the self-enumeration facility within the stipulated timeline.
She said the initiative would not only simplify the census process but also help ensure more accurate and timely data collection.
The digital census is expected to play a key role in shaping policy decisions at both the state and national levels in the years ahead.
