India's Census 2027: 3.2 Million Functionaries to Undergo Comprehensive Training

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In preparation for the largest administrative exercise, India's 3.2 million Census functionaries will undergo extensive training to ensure a seamless and accurate data collection process. The training program, outlined by the Registrar General of India (RGI), aims to equip functionaries with the skills to approach people with sensitivity, maintain data confidentiality, and conduct themselves with neutrality. As part of the first phase, functionaries will be trained on how to use digital tools, understand Census concepts, and collect data efficiently. The training curriculum, available in 16 languages, will focus on building rapport with households, asking questions with sensitivity, and maintaining data quality. The RGI has emphasized the importance of effective training, stating that it is the cornerstone of a successful Census. The training program will involve 100 national trainers, 2,000 master trainers, 45,000 field trainers, and 3 million enumerators and supervisors who will conduct the actual data collection. The Census 2027, which will include caste enumeration, is scheduled to be completed by March 1, 2027. The exercise will be conducted in two phases: the first phase will collect data on housing conditions, assets, and amenities from April 1, 2026, while the second phase will collect demographic and socio-economic details from February 1, 2027. The government has already notified 33 questions for the first phase, known as the HLO (houselisting operation). The RGI has entrusted state and union territory governments with the responsibility of ensuring effective implementation of the training guidelines. The training program is designed to be comprehensive, practical, and adapted to the new digital environment, with a focus on collecting data accurately, efficiently, and with sensitivity.