Chennai, Feb 4 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu has initiated its preparations for the Census 2027, marking the commencement of efforts by the State government to organize what will be the first entirely digital population count in its history.

This process is set to integrate technology-driven self-enumeration along with traditional field verification, with the aim of enhancing the speed, accuracy, and transparency of data collection.

A coordination committee at the state level, led by Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, convened its inaugural meeting at the Secretariat on Monday to discuss the strategy and administrative frameworks.

Topics of discussion included inter-departmental collaboration, the assignment of census officers, and logistical planning for this extensive undertaking.

As per the Directorate of Census Operations, approximately 1.5 lakh officials, which includes enumerators and supervisors, are set to be deployed throughout the State.

These personnel will carry out the house-listing and housing census, anticipated to commence following the Assembly elections.

The operation will encompass every household in both urban and rural settings. For the first time, residents will have the opportunity for self-enumeration via an online portal.

Households can register on this platform, enter their details, and complete the questionnaire digitally. Upon form submission, a unique identification number will be generated.

When enumerators visit neighborhoods, residents can present this ID, allowing officials to confirm and validate the information through a mobile application.

Each household will face 33 questions that cover demographic, social, and housing-related details. Officials are optimistic that the digital approach will lessen paperwork, minimize errors, and expedite data processing.

The self-enumeration phase is scheduled to last approximately two weeks, followed by a month-long door-to-door verification and house-listing initiative by enumerators.

The State is emphasizing comprehensive training to ensure effective execution. Lead trainers, master trainers, field-level trainers, enumerators, and supervisors will participate in structured sessions regarding the new digital tools and methodologies.

All personnel at the Chennai Directorate have already received training, and selected individuals are being prepared as national trainers to support capacity-building across districts.

Officials have stated that the census will be instrumental in shaping welfare programs, infrastructure development, and resource distribution. With extensive preparations underway, Tamil Nadu aims to deliver a proficient, technology-driven census that accurately reflects the State's population and housing characteristics.