PM Modi asks youth to help families with Census 2027, ensure error-free details: ‘Just an hour or two of your time’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech on Saturday, sought the youth's help in leading the nation in ensuring accurate data in the ongoing Census 2027. He told them from the ramparts of Red Fort that sparing just an hour or two of their time "can lend immense strength to the nation."

“Today, I need your help with a task. I want the youth to take the lead in this. Just an hour or two of your time can lend immense strength to the nation...,” PM Modi said.

Appealing to the youth of the nation, PM Modi explained why recording accurate data as part of this census is significant.

"Currently, the census is underway across the country. A census is not merely about numbers; the finer details gathered through it shape policies and plans. It helps the nation draft its roadmap for progress, making accurate information crucial," PM Modi said.

He added, "Sometimes, government representatives are in a rush; they might misspell a name or record details inconsistently, which creates difficulties in obtaining accurate final results."

"Now that technology is available, a decision has been made allowing you to submit your census details yourself using your mobile phone. Later, an official or representative will visit to discuss the details with you," PM Modi added.

In his appeal to the youth, PM Modi said, "If your family sits together and registers digitally—ensuring there are no errors in spelling or information — it will be highly beneficial. The more accurate the information you provide, the more it will help the nation move forward."

"Therefore, I urge the youth of the country to sit with their families, understand the entire form, fill it out on paper first to correct any errors, and then upload it digitally...," the prime minister added.

Census 2027

Census 2027 is being conducted across the nation. The first phase of the Census 2027, which involves houselisting and Housing Census, has been completed in 31 States/UTs, Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, said in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha earlier this week.

“In the remaining states, the first phase of the census is scheduled to be completed by September, 2026," he said.

Sharing an update on the second phase of Census 2026, the minister said that as per the notification dated August 3, 2026 in the Gazette of India, “the second phase of the Census i.e. Population Enumeration in the UT of Ladakh and the snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir and the snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand shall be undertaken from 1st September, 2026 to 30th September, 2026 with a revisional round from 1st October, 2026 to 5th October, 2026.”

The Union government notified on Friday a list of 40 questions to be asked of respondents during the population enumeration phase of the Census. It includes first-time queries on caste.

The Population Enumeration (PE) is part of the second phase of the Census 2027. "Comprehensive caste enumeration will be done during the Population Enumeration phase," the Centre had said earlier.