The Registrar General of India has issued a directive to all states and union territories, urging them to appoint census functionaries by January 15, 2026. This is a crucial step in the preparation for the 2027 Census, a massive data collection endeavor. The circular emphasizes the importance of timely appointments, highlighting the key roles of enumerators and supervisors in the data collection process. Enumerators, responsible for gathering population data, will be assigned to manage approximately 700-800 individuals, while supervisors will oversee groups of enumerators. The circular also mentions the need for a 10% reserve of enumerators and supervisors to handle unforeseen circumstances. According to the Census Rules (1990), the appointment criteria for enumerators and supervisors are distinct, with enumerators being teachers, clerks, or state government officials, and supervisors being officers of a higher rank. The process will involve two phases: the House Listing and Housing Census, scheduled for April to September 2026, and the Population Enumeration, set for February 2027. The upcoming census will be conducted digitally, including caste enumeration, and will deploy approximately 30 lakh field functionaries to ensure a comprehensive population count across the country within a specified timeframe. The Registrar General has developed a web portal, the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS), to streamline the appointment process and monitor progress in real-time. This portal will facilitate the registration of census functionaries, ensuring accurate and complete details. The circular emphasizes the need for early appointments and registration to ensure a smooth and efficient census process.
