The government has unveiled the list of 33 questions to be asked in the first phase of the census, sparking curiosity and potential debate. This phase, commencing on April 1st, will be a 30-day campaign to list houses, with each state and union territory given a specific timeframe. But here's the catch: it will continue until September 30th, leaving many wondering about the logistics.
During the survey, census officers will inquire about homeownership status, usage, floor and roof material, number of rooms, and the gender of the head of the household. They will then gather details about the house's usage, condition, and the number of occupants.
The census doesn't stop there. It delves into the basic amenities available in homes, including drinking water sources, lighting, toilet availability and type, waste disposal, bathing facilities, and kitchen access. It also covers LPG and PNG connections, cooking fuel, and the presence of gadgets like radios, TVs, laptops, and smartphones. And this is where it gets controversial—the census will also collect vehicle type and the primary grain consumed in the household, raising questions about privacy and the extent of data collection.
Citizens have the option to self-enumerate 15 days before the 30-day house listing campaign begins. The census is a two-part process: house listing and housing census from April to September, followed by the individual count in February 2027. What do you think about the government's approach to data collection? Is it an invasion of privacy or a necessary step for effective governance?
