MHA assures parliamentary panel of strong data security measures for digital census

New Delhi: With Census being carried out digitally for the first time, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has told a Parliamentary panel that strong data security measures like end-to-end encryption of data, secure authentication for enumerators and real-time monitoring to tackle cyber-attacks are put in place to ensure data security.

The panel said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assured that the adoption of digital tools, encrypted transmission and real-time supervision are expected to enhance data integrity, accuracy and timely dissemination of Census data. 

The Census was due in 2021 but could not be held due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the government has earmarked a total budget of Rs 11,718.24 crore for the exercise, and around 30 lakh Census functionaries will be deployed across the country.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has said that meticulous planning, inter-governmental coordination and technological robustness are critical for the successful conduct of Census 2027, given the scale and sensitivity of the exercise.

In its report analysing the Demands for Grants (2026-27) for Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the panel  headed by BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Aggarwal said there has been a substantial increase in allocation to Rs 6,000 crore in the next fiscal on account of full-fledged Census 2027 operations. 

The MHA told the panel that strong data security measures are being implemented for Census 2027 and it includes end-to-end encryption of data collected through mobile applications and self enumeration portals and securing authentication through verified digital IDs for enumerators.

There will be real-time monitoring by dedicated cyber security teams, public awareness campaigns to prevent misuse and phishing and strengthening of servers, firewalls and backup systems to handle large-scale digital data securely, the MHA told the panel.

The MHA said data will be collected through secure mobile applications supported by digital maps and real-time monitoring systems. 

"Enumerators will conduct door-to-door canvassing using mobile applications available in Hindi, English and 14 other languages to ensure complete coverage. The public will also have the option of self-enumeration through an online portal," the MHA said.

The panel emphasised the "importance of robust data protection safeguards", including end-to-end encryption, cyber-security audits and real-time monitoring mechanisms, to preserve data integrity and public trust. 

"In view of the adoption of digital tools and self-enumeration facilities, the Committee recommends that adequate public awareness campaigns be undertaken to ensure informed participation and prevent misuse of digital platforms," the report said.

The calibrated adoption of digital technology is aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing data quality and enabling faster dissemination of Census results, the MHA said.

The multi-party committee also wants the MHA to ensure timely finalisation of all preparatory activities, including training of Census functionaries, deployment of secure digital infrastructure and seamless coordination with state governments to avoid operational bottlenecks. The 

A clear dissemination calendar should be prepared for release of provisional and final Census data so as to facilitate evidence-based policy formulation at the earliest, it said.