Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government on Friday announced that the upcoming population census will be conducted in two phases, beginning with the House Listing Operation (HLO) to count residential units, followed by Population Enumeration (PE).

According to an official state release, the first phase, House Listing Operation will be carried out between April and September this year, while the second phase of Population Enumeration is scheduled for February 2027.

The government has issued a notification appointing census officers to undertake the exercise in accordance with Section 4 of the Census Act, 1948, and Rule 3 of the Census Rules, 1990. Officials have been directed to perform their duties with sincerity and responsibility to ensure the process is completed smoothly, accurately, and within the stipulated timeline. Describing the census as the country’s largest administrative and statistical exercise, the government urged residents to extend full cooperation and actively participate.

The release further stated that, following a notification issued by the Government of India on January 7, the Gujarat government re-notified the period for conducting the HLO. As per a state notification dated February 2, fieldwork for the House Listing Operation will be conducted from April 20 to May 19, 2026. Prior to this, a 15-day digital self-enumeration exercise will be held from April 5 to April 19, 2026.

This self-enumeration phase will precede the house-to-house survey and is intended to encourage public participation while improving data accuracy. Residents will be able to submit their details digitally during this period, making the process more convenient and inclusive.

After the self-enumeration phase, trained enumerators will visit households across the state to systematically collect information. During the HLO phase, data will be gathered on housing conditions, assets, and basic facilities available to families through a comprehensive house-to-house survey. DeshGujarat