2027 Houselisting and Housing Census Overview
The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified changes for the 2027 Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), which presents a more streamlined approach compared to the Census of 2011.
Key Changes and Additions
- Reduction in Questions: The 2027 census consists of 33 questions, reduced from 35 in 2011.
- Digital Access: New questions include those on internet and smartphone access, reflecting digital service delivery's growing role.
- Communication: Collection of mobile numbers for census-related communication is introduced.
- Banking Services: The question about availing banking services is removed.
Demographic and Asset Details
- Asset Ownership: Updated to include internet and smartphones, alongside traditional assets like TVs and vehicles.
- Demographic Detailing: Previously separate male and female counts are now condensed into one question, separating houselisting from population enumeration.
Streamlining and New Inclusions
- Questionnaire Consolidation: Reorganization of identification details, such as line and building numbers.
- Kitchen and Fuel: Availability of kitchens is now combined with LPG/PNG access.
- New Dietary Question: Introduction of a query on the main cereal consumed by households.
Core Housing Indicators
Questions on the physical characteristics of houses remain central, covering:
- Ownership status
- Number of rooms
- Access to drinking water
- Type of latrine
- Wastewater outlets
- Bathing facilities
- Lighting source
- Main cooking fuel
Timeline
The house listing and housing census will occur from April 1 to September 30, 2026, across all states and Union Territories. This precedes the second phase of Population Enumeration, scheduled for February 2027.
