Kerala moves to digital census; self-enumeration portal opens today; step-by-step guide

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala’s comprehensive census operations commence today, introducing a digitised framework and a caste-specific headcount for the first time. While the digital self-listing portal opens today, the physical door-to-door enumeration phase is scheduled to run from July 1 to July 30.

Announcing the launch at a press conference, K. Biju, Census State Nodal Officer and General Administration Department (GAD) Secretary, stated that the transition to a digital format aims to streamline data processing. The last census in the state was conducted in 2011.

Phased rollout and workforce deployment

The entire census exercise is slated for completion by March 2027 and will be executed in distinct phases:

• Phase 1 (Current): Focuses on housing listings and voluntary digital self-enumeration.
• Phase 2 (February 2027): Will involve the collection of detailed socioeconomic data, including employment profiles and caste demographics.

To manage the massive scale of the operation, the state has mobilised a workforce of 71,471 personnel, consisting of 61,282 enumerators and 10,189 supervisors drawn primarily from the government and teaching sectors. The field operation will span 58,619 designated census blocks across 758 villages and 682 urban centres.

Top dignitaries to kick off self-enumeration

The state's top leadership will lead the voluntary self-enumeration process. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is scheduled to log his details on the official portal at Lok Bhavan at 11:00 AM today.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will participate at 12:30 PM, followed by Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak. The Director General of Police (DGP) is scheduled to submit his details at the Police Headquarters tomorrow morning.

Guidelines for online submission

The self-enumeration portal ( ​h​t​t​p​s​:​/​/​s​e.​c​e​n​s​u​s.​g​o​v.​i​n​) goes live today and will remain open until June 30. This online filing is optional and restricted exclusively to individuals currently residing within the borders of Kerala.

State officials emphasised that online submission does not exempt a household from physical verification; enumerators will still visit every home in July to validate the data.

Residents do not need to fill in technical details like building numbers, census house numbers, or family tracking numbers online. These specific metrics will be filled in directly by visiting officials.

The online questionnaire requires data across 34 parameters, including the primary structural materials used for the home's floor, walls, and roof; ownership status; access to utilities like LPG, internet, and smartphones; and the gender, caste, and name of the head of the household. Any errors made during the online filing can be corrected when the enumerator visits in person.

Step-by-step self-enumeration process

Citizens opting for online registration should follow these steps:

• Step 1: Access the portal and select 'Kerala' from the state dropdown menu.
• Step 2: Enter the name of the household head, mobile number, and email address, then verify identity via the One-Time Password (OTP).
• Step 3: Enter the district and local area details. Pinpoint the exact location of the residence on the interactive map by dropping the 'Red Marker' and saving it.
• Step 4: Complete the subsequent 34-point questionnaire with accurate details.
• Step 5: Note down and securely store the generated 11-digit SE-ID (Self-Enumeration Identity Number), which must be presented to the enumerator during the July field visits.

For public grievances, queries, or technical assistance regarding the census, the government has set up a dedicated toll-free helpline at 1855.

The press briefing was also attended by Census Operations Director Mitra T., Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anu Kumari, and PIB Deputy Director Athira Thampi.