Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday unveiled two enumerator mascots, Pragati and Vikas, along with four digital tools that will support the upcoming Census 2027. The first phase of the nationwide exercise, known as houselisting, is scheduled to begin on April 1.
Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, the digital tools aim to streamline enumeration work and reduce reliance on traditional paperwork.
Mascots introduced to promote awareness
According to the Home Ministry, “The mascots ‘Pragati’ (female enumerator) and ‘Vikas’ (male enumerator) were unveiled to serve as friendly, relatable faces of the Census 2027.”
The ministry said the mascots reflect the equal participation of women and men in the effort to build a developed India by 2047. They will also be used to communicate the objectives and key messages of the census to citizens across different sections of society in a simple and accessible manner.
“These mascots also symbolise the equal participation of women and men in fulfilling the resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047. Through these mascots, information, objectives, and key messages related to Census 2027 will be disseminated in an effective and citizen-friendly manner across diverse sections of society.”
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Four digital tools to support census operations
Census 2027 will be the first decadal census in India to be conducted with digital support systems. One of the tools introduced is the Houselisting Block Creator, a web-based map that will allow officials to create houselisting blocks digitally using satellite imagery. This system is expected to ensure consistent geographic coverage.
Another tool is a secure offline mobile application that enumerators will use to collect housing data during field visits. The application will be accessible only to enumerators registered on the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) portal.
“Only enumerators registered on the CMMS (Census Management and Monitoring System) portal can access the application. The app enables direct field-to-server data transmission, eliminating traditional paperwork. All housing listing data will be collected through this app, which can only be operated using registered mobile numbers. The application is compatible with Android and iOS platforms, and it can be operated in 16 regional languages”, the statement read.
Self-enumeration option introduced
For the first time, the government has also introduced a self-enumeration option. Eligible members of a household will be able to submit their details online through a secure web-based platform before the enumerator's visit.
“Upon successful submission, a unique Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) will be generated.” The ministry said this ID will then be shared with the enumerator, who will use it to verify the details submitted by the household.
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The ministry said information will be gathered through secure mobile applications during door-to-door visits to ensure full coverage. It added that more than three million enumerators, supervisors and other officials will be deployed across the country for the exercise. “This calibrated adoption of technology combines innovation with inclusivity, ensuring that Census 2027 remains accurate, secure, and comprehensive.”
Census to be conducted in two phases
The fourth tool, the CMMS portal, will function as a central platform to plan and monitor census activities across administrative levels. “Officers at sub-district, district, and state levels can track enumeration progress, field performance, and operational readiness in real-time through an integrated dashboard.”
India’s 16th census, which will also include caste enumeration, will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will begin on April 1, 2026, focusing on housing conditions, assets and amenities. The second phase, starting February 1, 2027, will collect demographic, socio-economic and cultural information of individuals. The entire exercise is expected to conclude by March 1, 2027.
