West Bengal on Saturday marked the beginning of India's 16th Census, with the launch of the self-enumeration process for the country's first 100% digital Census. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated the exercise by digitally filling out his own Census form and appealed to residents across the state to actively participate.
The first phase of the nationwide population survey will run from August 1 to August 15, allowing citizens to submit their details through the official Census self-enumeration portal. The exercise will be followed by a house-listing phase from August 16 to September 14, during which government officials will visit households to collect information.
'Cooperate and Participate in the Census'
Calling the Census a landmark digital initiative, the Chief Minister urged citizens to extend full cooperation to officials.
"I urge every person across West Bengal to cooperate with the authorities involved with the process and participate via self-enumeration in this Census," Mr. Adhikari said.
Addressing concerns over personal information, Mr. Adhikari stressed that the Census is protected by law and that the data collected would remain confidential.
"The Census is absolutely secret. Data collected will be used only for statistics, planning and development. There is no scope for any form of misuse of personal information in this Census," he said.
The Chief Minister also assured that residents unable to complete the online process, including those living in remote and underserved areas, would not be left out.
"People who are unable to use digital platforms or live in remote regions need not worry. Government representatives will visit every household, and the entire exercise will be conducted strictly in accordance with the guidelines of the Census Authority of India. Completing the Census is a constitutional responsibility of every government employee," he said.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Adhikari also addressed issues relating to border security and illegal immigration, asserting that the state government was implementing the Census strictly within the framework laid down by the Centre.
"Illegal infiltrators will have no place in this state or the country. They are being identified through the prescribed legal process and will be sent back carefully, and this will continue in the future. It is not India's responsibility to shelter illegal infiltrators," he said.
'No Genuine Indian Citizen Will Face Harassment'
The Chief Minister sought to reassure citizens that legitimate Indian residents would not face any inconvenience during the exercise, referring to an alleged error during a previous government's tenure.
"There was an error in Birbhum during the previous government's tenure, where an Indian citizen faced difficulties before being brought back. Our government will ensure that not a single genuine Indian citizen suffers during this process," Mr. Adhikari said.
Clarifies CAA Position on Refugees
Mr. Adhikari also distinguished between illegal immigrants and refugees while referring to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). He said Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who entered India from Bangladesh and neighbouring countries under the provisions of the law should not be treated as illegal infiltrators.
Referring to a Government of India notification issued on September 1, 2025, he said refugees who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution or threats to their lives would be protected under the legal framework and should not face police action or legal proceedings.
The launch of the Census marks the beginning of India's decennial population enumeration, with authorities expecting widespread public participation as the country transitions to a fully digital data collection process.
