Census 2027 launched in Rajasthan: Governor Bagde begins self-enumeration at Lok Bhawan
Synopsis
India's first fully digital census has begun in Rajasthan, with Governor Haribhau Bagde and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma leading by example through self-enumeration. Citizens have until 15 May to log on and submit their details before door-to-door surveys commence — a historic shift from paper to pixels in how India counts itself.
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde launched Census 2027 at Lok Bhawan, Jaipur on 1 May 2025 via self-enumeration.
Census 2027 will be India's first fully digital census , with data collected entirely through digital devices.
The self-enumeration window on the official Census Web Portal is open from 1 May to 15 May .
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also completed self-enumeration, urging citizens to participate in the nation-building exercise.
Governor Bagde called on youth and social organisations to assist digitally unfamiliar citizens, ensuring no one is excluded.
A door-to-door field survey phase will follow the close of the self-enumeration window on 15 May .
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde formally launched the Census 2027 process in the state on Friday, 1 May at Lok Bhawan, Jaipur, by undertaking self-enumeration on the official government portal. With this, the first phase of census activities has officially commenced across Rajasthan, marking a significant step in what will be India's first fully digital census.
What the Launch Entailed
The Governor completed the self-enumeration process live at the event, logging in through the Census Web Portal developed by the Government of India. Officials described the portal as simple, secure, and user-friendly, enabling citizens to fill in personal and family details from any internet-connected device. The self-enumeration window is open from 1 May to 15 May, prior to the commencement of field surveys, according to Census Director Vishnu Charan Malik.
Key Features of Census 2027
Unlike previous censuses, Census 2027 will collect data entirely through digital devices — a first in India's census history. Citizens can access the portal using their mobile numbers and required credentials to submit details about themselves and their households. A door-to-door enumeration phase will follow the self-enumeration window, and citizens have been urged to cooperate with field enumerators and provide accurate information. Helpline services are also available for those with doubts or queries.
Governor's Appeal to Citizens and Youth
Governor Bagde particularly called upon youth and social organisations to assist those unfamiliar with digital platforms, ensuring that no citizen is excluded from the process. He emphasised that participation in Census 2027 constitutes a direct contribution to the nation's inclusive and holistic development. The Governor also urged citizens to cooperate fully with census enumerators during the forthcoming door-to-door survey phase.
Chief Minister Sets the Example
Earlier on the same day, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma participated in the self-enumeration process, accessing the official portal and successfully submitting his personal details online. The Chief Minister described Census 2027 as a crucial step towards strengthening governance and planning, appealing to citizens across the state to join the nation-building exercise. The Governor's Secretary, Dr Prithvi, was also present at the launch ceremony at Lok Bhawan.
What Comes Next
Following the close of the self-enumeration window on 15 May, field enumerators will begin door-to-door surveys across Rajasthan. The fully digital format is expected to improve data accuracy and reduce processing time compared to earlier paper-based censuses. All eyes will now be on public participation rates, particularly in rural and digitally underserved areas, where the support of youth volunteers and social organisations will prove critical.
Point of View
Rather than building it into the system design, raises questions about whether the first fully digital census will be the most accurate one. The 1 May to 15 May window is tight, and participation rates in digitally underserved districts will be the real test of whether this modernisation serves all of India or only the connected parts of it.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Census 2027 and why is it significant?
Census 2027 is India's upcoming national population census, significant because it will be the country's first fully digital census, with data collected entirely through digital devices. It also introduces a self-enumeration facility, allowing citizens to submit their details online before door-to-door surveys begin.
How can citizens participate in Census 2027 self-enumeration?
Citizens can log on to the official Census Web Portal using their mobile numbers and required credentials to submit personal and family details. The self-enumeration window is open from 1 May to 15 May, after which field enumerators will conduct door-to-door surveys.
Who launched Census 2027 in Rajasthan?
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde formally launched Census 2027 at Lok Bhawan, Jaipur, on 1 May by undertaking self-enumeration on the official portal. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also participated in the self-enumeration process on the same day.
What happens after the self-enumeration window closes on 15 May?
After the self-enumeration window closes on 15 May, field enumerators will begin door-to-door surveys across Rajasthan. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with enumerators, provide accurate information, and use available helpline services for any queries.
How is Census 2027 different from previous censuses in India?
Census 2027 is India's first fully digital census, replacing the earlier paper-based data collection with digital devices. It also introduces a citizen-led self-enumeration option via a secure web portal, a feature not available in previous censuses.
