The Union government has moved the Population Enumeration phase of Census 2027 forward in four poll‑bound states—Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa—while postponing it in Manipur. The decision comes alongside a set of 40 questions, including 13 new data fields, that will be asked during the enumeration. The new items seek details such as parents’ names, religion, place of birth, Aadhaar number, mobile phone number, voter ID and driving licence, mirroring questions used in the 2019 National Population Register (NPR) rehearsal.
Former Deputy Registrar General of India K. Narayanan Unni warned that the similarity of the new questions to those used for NPR updates raises the possibility that Census data could again be used to prepare a National Register of Citizens (NRC). He cited the 1951 Census in Assam, Manipur and Tripura, where NRC data were derived from Census slips, and noted that while Census data are confidential, the precedent could be repeated.
Unni also highlighted the risk of under‑enumeration. By conducting the enumeration early in states that will hold assembly elections, many migrant workers may be absent from their usual residences, leading to double counting or omission. The deferment in Manipur, he said, could compromise data quality but also deprive the state of demographic evidence.
The former official questioned the utility of the expanded questionnaire, especially the inclusion of identity documents and vaccination history, arguing that such details already exist in administrative databases. He warned that a lengthy survey could cause respondent fatigue, increase enumeration time, and provoke resistance, particularly in urban areas. The inclusion of Aadhaar numbers also raises legal concerns that may require changes to existing provisions.
