New Delhi, India
In a significant development ahead of the upcoming caste census exercise, V. A. Warade, Joint Director in the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, announced the introduction of a self-enumeration facility, marking a first in India’s census process.
Speaking in Delhi, Warade explained that the new feature is being introduced as an additional option for citizens, while the traditional door-to-door data collection process will continue. “This is the first time we are giving a Swaganna (Self-Enumeration) facility and this is an additional facility. In the past, the enumerator used to go to every home and collect information. This time also, he will go to every home,” he said.
The move is aimed at leveraging digital infrastructure to make the census process more efficient and accessible. Warade noted that technological advancements since the last census in 2011 have enabled the introduction of new features. “In comparison to 2011, there is an internet facility, which is new this time. Last time it was only connected to the laptop,” he said.
He also highlighted changes in the questionnaire to reflect evolving living conditions and infrastructure. “Some codes are different, like drinking water facility. Earlier there was no bottled water, which has changed a lot in the last 10 years,” Warade added, indicating that the census will capture updated socio-economic realities.
Providing details about the process, Warade said the current phase involves house listing, which focuses on collecting family-level information. “This is the first phase of the house listing. Family information is collected in this,” he stated.
He also clarified how the self-enumeration system will work in terms of identification and data submission. “Any member of a family can be filled in with a mobile number. But after giving a mobile number, that mobile number cannot be used again,” he explained, suggesting that each entry will be uniquely linked to a mobile number to avoid duplication.
The introduction of self-enumeration is expected to streamline the data collection process, reduce manual workload, and improve accuracy. However, officials have maintained that the traditional enumeration method will remain in place to ensure comprehensive coverage, particularly in areas with limited digital access.
The caste census, which has been a subject of political and policy debate, is seen as a crucial exercise for gathering detailed socio-economic data that could inform welfare schemes, reservation policies, and development planning.
Warade’s remarks signal a shift towards a more technology-driven census process, combining digital tools with traditional methods to ensure both efficiency and inclusivity in nationwide data collection.
