Bhubaneswar: The Directorate of Census Operations, Odisha, initiated a pre-test for the house listing and housing census on Monday in four designated areas of the State, as announced by officials. This exercise is set to run until November 30. Census Director Nikhil Pavan Kalyan informed the media that the initial phase of Census of India 2027 is being conducted under the supervision of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the State government. The pre-test will take place in 20 revenue villages of Tentulikhunti tehsil in Nabarangpur district, 44 revenue villages of Thakurmunda tehsil in Mayurbhanj district, as well as in Ward No. 22 of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and Ward No.
17 of Cuttack Municipal Corporation from November 10 to 30. “During this period, enumerators, primarily primary school teachers, will visit households to assign house numbers and gather housing-related data. This is merely a test and not the actual census process. Residents in the designated areas are encouraged to assist the enumerators,” Kalyan stated. He highlighted that a significant aspect of Census 2027 is the digital data collection system and the self-enumeration portal, which enables households to submit information online. Each residence will also be geo-tagged using a Digital Layout Mapping App to facilitate quicker processing and dissemination of census data.
“As directed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, enumerators will gather details about the condition of the house, available amenities, and other facilities, as well as assets utilized by the family and related information,” Kalyan remarked. In response to a question, he clarified that this is solely a preparatory exercise intended to refine the methodologies and tools for the full census. The actual census work is expected to commence after notification, likely in April or May 2026.