Mumbai’s Chembur chosen for Census 2027 trial run in Maharashtraumbai’s Chembur has been chosen as one of Maharashtra’s pilot locations for the Census 2027 trial, marking a crucial step in India’s preparations for the country’s next nationwide population count. The exercise, scheduled from 10 to 30 November 2025, will test new-age census methods aimed at enhancing accuracy, inclusivity, and digital readiness.
Officials from the Census Directorate confirmed that the pilot survey will be conducted in the M West administrative division of Mumbai, covering 135 house registration blocks. The drive will involve over 400 enumerators and supervisors across the state, working under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s coordination. Alongside Mumbai, the Chopda Taluka in Jalgaon and Gaganbawada Taluka in Kolhapur have also been identified for the census rehearsal.
The pre-test aims to fine-tune the processes of House Listing and Housing Enumeration while incorporating the option for citizens to self-enumerate through a digital portal between 1 and 7 November 2025. The move marks India’s transition towards a more tech-enabled, environmentally efficient census system that reduces paper usage and improves data reliability.Senior civic officials said the upcoming exercise reflects a paradigm shift towards an inclusive census framework designed to reach every household while embracing sustainability. The online self-enumeration feature will not only simplify participation but also support India’s broader digital governance mission, ensuring minimal physical documentation and reduced carbon footprint.
According to the Directorate, the main Census 2027 operation will be conducted in two phases the first from April to September 2026 for house listing and housing data collection, and the second in February 2027 for population enumeration. Both will be carried out under the Census Act, 1948.Experts from the state planning department highlighted that the Chembur trial will help refine training, logistics, and citizen engagement models before the nationwide rollout. By testing these mechanisms in a dense and diverse urban environment like Mumbai, the government aims to identify potential challenges and ensure seamless execution at scale.
Civic administrators have urged residents to cooperate fully with enumerators and provide accurate details. Authorities emphasised that community participation remains the cornerstone of reliable census data essential for urban planning, equitable resource distribution, and development policies aligned with sustainability and gender inclusivity.As Mumbai prepares to lead Maharashtra’s census modernisation efforts, the Chembur pilot stands as a testament to India’s evolving approach to data-driven governance one that balances precision with inclusivity and innovation with sustainability.
Mumbai’s Chembur chosen for Census 2027 trial run in Maharashtra
