Atal Dulloo describes upcoming census as a “digital transformation mission” aimed at enabling data-driven governance
India’s upcoming Census 2027 will mark a major shift in how population data is collected and used, with authorities planning the country’s first fully digital and paperless enumeration process. Speaking at a summit in Jammu, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said the exercise would go beyond traditional data collection and serve as a foundation for technology-driven governance.
The remarks were made during the Census 2027 Summit held at Abhinav Theatre, attended by senior officials, policy experts, and representatives from national and international organisations.
Key Highlights of Census 2027
- First fully digital and paperless census in India
- Use of mobile-based data collection tools
- Integration of artificial intelligence and cloud technology
- Focus on real-time, accurate, and transparent data
Officials said the transition represents a major upgrade from the 2011 census, which relied largely on manual processes.
Shift Towards Data-Driven Governance
Dulloo emphasised that India is entering a phase where governance decisions will increasingly rely on real-time data and digital systems. He described the census as a critical step toward building a more responsive and efficient administrative framework.
The use of technology is expected to improve accuracy, reduce delays, and enhance transparency in data collection and analysis.
Official Statement
In his address, Dulloo highlighted the growing importance of data in shaping national policy. He noted that India’s large and diverse population provides a valuable dataset that can support advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence and public planning.
He also pointed to the role of integrated digital systems, including the JAM framework (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile), in improving service delivery and reducing leakages in welfare schemes.
Context: Evolution of Census in India
India conducts a national census every decade, with the last full exercise carried out in 2011. Traditionally, the process has involved extensive manual data collection, often taking years to compile and analyse.
The planned digital shift for Census 2027 reflects broader efforts to modernise governance and align with global best practices in data management.
Public Impact
The move to a digital census could have far-reaching implications:
- Faster and more accurate data for policymaking
- Improved targeting of welfare schemes
- Better planning of infrastructure, healthcare, and education
- Enhanced transparency in governance
Census data also plays a crucial role in determining resource allocation and development priorities for states and union territories.
Implementation Timeline
Authorities have outlined key preparatory steps:
- Training of census officers and enumerators to be completed in advance
- Self-enumeration process to begin from May 17, 2026
- House-to-house data collection scheduled from June 1, 2026
District administrations have been directed to ensure readiness at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
Census 2027 is set to be a landmark exercise in India’s administrative evolution, combining technology with large-scale data collection. As the country moves toward more data-driven governance, the success of this digital census will play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions and development strategies for the coming decade.
Input & Images : Hindusthan Samachar
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Last Updated on: Friday, April 10, 2026 4:34 pm by Monisha Angara | Published by: Monisha Angara on Friday, April 10, 2026 4:34 pm | News Categories: India
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