Mumbai: Maharashtra will launch India's first fully digital Census from May 1, beginning with a self-enumeration phase aimed at improving accuracy and real-time data collection.
Self-enumeration phase from May 1 to May 15
The initial phase will allow citizens to submit their details online through an official Census portal between May 1 and May 15. Authorities have urged people to use only the official website and avoid responding to unauthorised messages, noting that genuine communication will include the keyword "RGICEN".
Once the online process is completed, users will receive an 11-digit unique identification number starting with the letter "H", which must be shared with enumerators during follow-up visits.
Door-to-door verification from May 16
The second phase, involving house listing and housing Census, will take place from May 16 to June 14. During this period, trained enumerators will visit households to verify and collect additional data, typically covering eight to ten homes daily.
Officials said the move to a digital Census is part of a broader effort to modernise governance systems. Mobile applications and an online platform will enable real-time data entry, improved monitoring, and better accuracy compared to traditional methods.
A dedicated Census Monitoring and Management System will be used to oversee operations and manage large-scale data.
Around 2.64 lakh field personnel, including enumerators and supervisors, will be deployed for the exercise, along with additional reserve staff. All personnel have undergone training to handle digital tools and ensure smooth implementation.
Enumeration will cover both slum and non-slum areas using pre-defined maps, while migratory populations will be counted at their place of work under the de facto method.
Administrative preparations already in place
To facilitate the Census, the state has frozen administrative boundaries of districts, cities, and villages from January 2026 to March 2027. Necessary notifications have already been issued to operationalise the process.
Officials clarified that Census data is collected at the household level and does not serve as a legal document. The next stage of population counting, including ward-wise data compilation, will be conducted in the following year.