Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: The digital census for the 2027 enumeration officially begins Monday in Odisha. The pilot phase will run until November 30 across four key locations: Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Mayurbhanj, and Nabarangpur.

Specific areas selected for this pre-census exercise include Ward 22 of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Ward 17 in Cuttack, Tentulikhunti in Nabarangpur, and Thakur Munda in Mayurbhanj.

These regions will serve as testing grounds for the new digital methodology, which replaces traditional paper-based enumeration with mobile app-based data collection.

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This initiative is part of a nationwide rollout, with similar exercises being conducted across India. An estimated 34 lakh teachers will be involved in the enumeration process at the national level, marking one of the largest mobilizations for census work in the country’s history.

The digital census aims to streamline data collection and improve accuracy. Enumerators will use mobile applications to record demographic, social, and economic data. The final district-level census compilation will include detailed information on rural and urban infrastructure, population statistics, and socio-economic indicators.

Officials believe this tech-driven approach will not only reduce errors but also accelerate the processing and analysis of census data, enabling better policy planning and resource allocation.

Odisha’s proactive participation in this digital transition underscores its commitment to innovation and governance efficiency. The success of this pilot phase will play a crucial role in shaping the full-scale census operations in 2027.