About 3.2 million census functionaries nationwide will undergo specialized training for Census 2027's first phase, focusing on digital tools, data privacy, and sensitive interactions. This cascade model ensures accurate houselisting from April 2026, marking India's first digital census with caste enumeration
Training Framework
Registrar General of India (RGI) Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan issued guidelines on Jan 30 for training 3.2M enumerators, supervisors, and trainers. Sessions cover digital apps, census concepts, rapport-building, and confidentiality in 16 languages, using a cascade from 100 national trainers to field staff.
Key Highlights
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Scale & Structure: 100 National Trainers (NTs), 2,000 Master Trainers (MTs), 45,000 Field Trainers (FTs), 3M+ enumerators/supervisors.
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First Phase Focus: Houselisting & Housing Census (April-Sept 2026); 33 questions on housing, amenities.
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Digital Shift: Mobile apps for data collection; pre-tests validate tools, logistics.
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Core Principles: Absolute data confidentiality, neutrality, sensitivity to personal queries.
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Timeline: Population Enumeration Feb 2027; states appoint staff by Jan 15.
Significance
Training builds skilled workforce for accurate, humane data collection, pivotal for policy-making. States oversee implementation.
Sources: HindustanTimes.com, PIB.gov.in