The upcoming Census-2027 in Himachal Pradesh, beginning May 12, will for the first time collect information on smartphones, internet access, computers and laptops, along with details about the main food grains consumed by families.
Unlike previous exercises that primarily focused on population, housing numbers and usage, the new census will include 34 questions in its first phase to support more comprehensive policy planning.
Preparations are underway in Shimla district, where staff training has already begun. As in the rest of the country, the census will be conducted in two phases. In Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and parts of Chamba, both phases will be completed this year, while the remaining nine districts will complete the second phase next year.
The first phase will run from May 12 to June 11. According to Census Directorate Director Deep Shikha Sharma, Census-2027 will be India’s first fully digital census. Data will be collected through a mobile app and web portal. Citizens can also self-enumerate through an online portal, after which enumerators will conduct door-to-door verification.
Key Questions to Be Asked
The first phase will gather details including:
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Building and census house number
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Construction materials used for floor, walls and roof
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Usage and condition of the house
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Household number and total family members
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Name of the head of household
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Ownership status and number of rooms
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Number of married couples
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Main source and availability of drinking water
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Main source of lighting
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Toilet availability and type
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Drainage system
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Bathing and kitchen facilities
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LPG/PNG gas connection and cooking fuel
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Ownership of radio, television, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, car, jeep or van
A question related to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe status has also been included, though officials clarify that this is not a caste-based census but part of housing-related data collection.
Additionally, households will need to provide details about internet access, availability of laptops or computers, smartphones or mobile phones, the primary food grains consumed by the family, and a mobile number.
With expanded data collection and digital implementation, Census-2027 is expected to play a significant role in future development planning.
