Census 2027: The pressures of counting India

The article details the ongoing Census 2027, highlighting the challenges faced by enumerators in its first phase, Houselisting and Housing Operations (HLO). It describes the digital nature of this Census, which is India's first fully digital count, the first to collect caste data, and the first to allow self-enumeration. Enumerators, primarily government school teachers, report difficulties such as extreme heat, connectivity issues, safety concerns, and resistance from residents. The article also touches upon legal issues, including FIRs against enumerators and court rulings regarding the mandatory participation of private school teachers. It emphasizes the reliance of government policies and welfare programs on Census data and raises concerns about data integrity due to pressure to edit entries related to amenities like sanitation and water access.