India Launches First Fully Digital National Census in Tamil Nadu and Tripura

India launched the first phase of its 16th National Census on July 17, 2026, marking the country's first fully digital census. The process began with a self-enumeration phase running from July 17 to July 31, allowing citizens in Tamil Nadu and Tripura to provide information via a secure online portal and mobile application. This window is followed by House Listing Operations from August 1 to August 30, where enumerators will use mobile apps to collect data on 33 indicators, including sanitation and internet connectivity.

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar urged public participation after Vijay completed his own registration. Vijay stated that the data forms the foundation for public welfare schemes. Simultaneously, Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu inaugurated the process in Tripura at Lok Bhavan by registering on the portal, emphasizing that accurate data is vital for equitable fund distribution.

The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that Phase-I has been completed across 29 states and Union Territories, with field operations also active in Kerala and Nagaland through July 30. All information is protected under the Census Act, 1948, to ensure strict confidentiality. The initial house listing phase establishes the framework for the final population enumeration scheduled for February 2027.