Pune: Citizens will have to answer all 33 questions enumerators will ask them during their doorstep visits in the first phase of Census 2027, starting from May 16 this year in the state. The queries based on living conditions, amenities and asset ownership will encompass house listing and housing operations. As many as 2.6 lakh officials will be deployed across Maharashtra for census duties. A formal notification issued on Feb 26 said the house-listing phase will go on up to June 14. A self-enumeration window from May 1 to May 15 will allow people to submit their details online before enumerators begin door-to-door visits. “Details filled through self-enumeration will be verified and validated by enumerators using the unique reference number generated after the submission during house visits,” a senior state official told TOI on Wednesday. The district administrations have been told to create adequate awareness about the exercise to avoid non-cooperation and resistance from some housing societies. Senior officials said district administrations are gearing up for the exercise and public awareness campaigns will be intensified in the coming weeks to ensure maximum participation.“Stopping, hindering or failing to cooperate with census activities constitutes a criminal offence under the Census Act, 1948, and can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The Ministry of Home Affairs has emphasised that both the public and govt officials are legally bound to cooperate with this national exercise,” the official added.Authorities said extensive training is being conducted at multiple levels, for master trainers, field trainers, enumerators and supervisors. Pre- testexercises were also carried out in sample areas to test digital platforms and field preparedness. “All census functionaries are being sensitised and trained to maintain neutrality, handle personal questions sensitively and ensure confidentiality of data,” a state official said.Officials added that enumerators have a thorough understanding of census concepts and questionnaires, along with technical knowledge of digital platforms like Census Management and Monitoring System, Houselisting Block (HLB) Creatorand operations app.Officials said accurate responses are crucial as the data collected during this phase will form the base for the population enumeration in 2027. “The success of the counting exercise depends on public cooperation. People are requested to answer the questions and assist enumerators during their visits patiently,” an official said.One portal, one reference ID Households will be able to complete the census questionnaire online through the official self-enumeration portalThe portal will be available 15 days before the start of house-listing operationsPeople can respond in 16 languages, Hindi and English and 14 regional languages, including Marathi They have to fill in the details and submit the document Respondents can log in using their cellphone number and validate it through a one-time passwordAfter submission, a confirmation will be generated with an ID which will be cross-checked by enumerators during physical verificationThe questionnaire I Will include building number, materials used for floor, wall and roof, condition and usage of the structure.Household details I Number of residents, the name and gender of the head of the household, SC/ST/other status, ownership status, and the number of dwelling rooms will also be recordedAmenities I Will cover source and availability of drinking water, lighting source, toilet access and type, wastewater outlet, bathing facilities, kitchen availability and LPG/PNG connectionsAssets and lifestyle indicators I Households will be asked about possession of radio, television, internet access, laptop, computer, phones and smartphones and vehicles like bicycle, scooter and carAdditional information I Number of married couples in the household, main cereal consumed and a cellphone for communication
