A team from the directorate of census operations, Uttar Pradesh, led by deputy director Ajay Kumar, deputy director Ashwani Dixit, and assistant director Jai Gupta, visited TOI office on Friday and addressed queries from the editorial team regarding Census 2027. Excerpts:Is it mandatory to answer census queries?According to Section 8 of the Census Act, 1948, an individual must answer census questions truthfully and to the best of his/her knowledge.Is it mandatory to participate in the census?Yes, participation in the Census is mandatory under the Census Act, 1948. Every household must provide accurate information.What happens if individuals do not give information?Not providing correct information or not cooperating with officials is an offence. A person who refuses to answer any question asked to him/her by a census officer may face legal action.When will Census 2027 be conducted?Phase I of house listing & housing census is scheduled between May 22 and June 20, 2026. However, prior to that, self-enumeration online facility is available between May 7 and May 21. The second phase of population enumeration will be held from Feb 9-28, 2027.What are the ways by which an individual can get counted in census 2027?Data can be recorded in Census-2027 through two different methods canvasser or self-enumeration method. In the first method, an enumerator visits a household and records information using a mobile app by asking necessary questions. In self-enumeration method, one may choose to self-enumerate by providing one’s information through self-enumeration portal, after which an enumerator will visit the household to collect SE ID & validate the same during field visit.How are the number of couples counted in cases of polygamy, polyandry and live-in relationships?In polygamy or polygyny (one man, multiple wives), the number of couples is counted based on the number of women. If a man lives in a single household with two wives, it will be considered as two married couples. In polyandry (one woman, multiple husbands), it is recorded as one married couple. Those in live-in relationships are also considered as ‘married couple’.How are households counted?Households are counted on the number of kitchens. If a house has two kitchens, it is considered as two households.If a person is living in a city but has permanent residence in a village in another district, how should they fill the self-enumeration form?Details must be filled according to the current place of residence. If a person is living in rented accommodation in Lucknow with spouse, he/she should provide information based on their present location.How does the Census benefit citizens?Census data helps in better targeting and review of welfare schemes, fair electoral representation, improved public services such as schools, hospitals, and transport, and enables businesses and researchers to design better products and services.Will personal information be kept confidential?Yes. Confidentiality is protected under Section 15 of the Census Act, 1948. Individual-level information is not shared with anyone. Only aggregate data and summaries at state, district, sub-district, village, and town levels are published.
