Gujarat Census 2026: Government Announces Schedule and Appoints Nodal Officers

The Government of Gujarat has formally established the framework for the upcoming national census within the state, outlining a comprehensive timeline and administrative structure. According to official statements, the census will be conducted in two distinct phases to ensure systematic data collection. The first phase involves the House Listing Operation (HLO), focusing on the identification and categorization of structures. The second phase, Population Enumeration (PE), will involve the actual counting of residents across the state. To facilitate this massive exercise, the government has already initiated the appointment of census officers under statutory guidelines.

The Two-Phase Execution Strategy

The state administration has confirmed that the census will follow a dual-phase methodology, while the initial phase, the House Listing Operation (HLO), is scheduled to take place between April and September. This phase is critical for establishing a baseline of housing conditions and identifying the number of households. Following the completion of the HLO, the second phase, Population Enumeration (PE), is slated for February 2027. This sequential approach is designed to maintain high standards of data integrity and allow for thorough verification at each level of the administrative hierarchy.

Detailed Timeline for Fieldwork and Operations

In alignment with the Central Government's notification dated January 7, the Gujarat government has re-notified the specific dates for field activities. As per the state notification issued on February 2, the fieldwork for the House Listing Operation will be conducted from April 20 to May 19, 2026. Prior to the commencement of physical fieldwork, a 15-day window for Self-Enumeration (SE) has been scheduled from April 5 to April 19, 2026. This structured timeline aims to provide both officials and citizens with a clear roadmap for participation.

Introduction of Digital Self-Enumeration

A significant technological advancement in this census cycle is the introduction of the digital self-enumeration phase, while this phase will precede the door-to-door survey, allowing residents to voluntarily submit their information through a secure digital portal. The objective of this initiative is to enhance public engagement and improve the accuracy of the primary data. Officials have noted that digital self-enumeration will streamline the process, making it more efficient and reducing the margin of error typically associated with manual data entry during field visits.

Scope of Data Collection and Amenities Survey

Following the self-enumeration period, trained enumerators will visit every household to conduct systematic data collection. During the HLO phase, the focus will extend beyond simple counting; data will be gathered regarding the condition of houses, household assets, and access to basic amenities such as water, electricity, and sanitation facilities. This comprehensive survey is intended to cover every household in the state, providing a detailed snapshot of the socio-economic infrastructure available to the population.

Legal Framework and Data Confidentiality

The entire census process is being conducted under the strict legal framework of the Census Act 1948 and the Census Rules 1990. The state government has emphasized that all information collected during the census is strictly confidential and protected by law. According to officials, the data will be used exclusively for statistical purposes and to inform future policy-making and developmental planning. The appointed census officers are mandated to perform their duties with the highest level of responsibility to ensure the security and privacy of citizen data as required by the Act.