CHANDIGARH – The first phase of the decadal Census has officially commenced across Punjab today, marking a significant step in the Central Government’s mandate to update national records. This initial phase, which focuses on house listing and housing conditions, will run through September 30, 2026.
Digital First: Self-Enumeration Window Open
Starting today, residents of Punjab can participate in the self-enumeration process, which remains active until May 14. During this two-week window, citizens are encouraged to log their details independently via a dedicated web portal or mobile application.
To ensure inclusivity, the Department of Local Government has deployed field staff to assist individuals who may lack access to smartphones or stable internet connectivity.
Door-to-Door Surveys to Follow
Following the self-enumeration period, the focus will shift to ground-level verification. From June 15 to June 30, official enumerators will conduct door-to-door visits to collect information from households that did not self-register or to verify existing records.
The department has already finalized municipal and ward boundaries and conducted successful “pre-tests” in Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Malerkotla to ensure the digital infrastructure is prepared for the state-wide rollout.
The 33-Question Framework
Residents will be asked a total of 33 questions aimed at assessing living standards and infrastructure. Key data points include:
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Housing Quality: Materials used for walls, roofs, and flooring.
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Essential Utilities: Primary sources of drinking water and types of kitchen fuel (LPG/PNG).
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Digital Reach: Availability of laptops, computers, and internet access.
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Household Assets: Ownership of vehicles and basic amenities like bathing facilities.
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Demographics: Total family members, details of the head of household, and the number of married couples.
Strict Administrative Oversight
The execution of the census is being managed by a high-level team, including Additional and Joint Commissioners, Town Planners, and Municipal Engineers. All officials are mandated to operate under the Census Act, 1948, which ensures that all personal data collected remains strictly confidential and is used solely for governmental planning and resource allocation.
The data gathered during this phase will serve as the foundation for the secondary phase of the census, providing a clear picture of Punjab’s evolving structural and socio-economic landscape.
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