16-Year Gap Ends: Census to be Conducted – Senses Director Bharati Holikeri

For the first time in 16 years, a national census will be conducted in Telangana. Speaking at a press conference at the Census Office, Census Director Bharati Holikeri stated, “The census serves as the foundation for all surveys. Its success depends entirely on public awareness. This is one of the largest exercises in the country and the authority to conduct the census rests solely with the central government. The 2021 census could not be conducted due to COVID-19. Since independence, this will be the 8th national census. From rural to urban areas, the census provides crucial data on migration, local needs, constituency reorganization and reservations.”

Bharati Holikeri further emphasized, “Everyone must participate in the census. Only the necessary questions for data collection will be asked. Non-compliance may result in a penalty of Rs. 1,000. As per Section 15, all information provided is confidential and cannot be used as evidence in court. Census officials are also provided with legal protection. This will be the first census conducted after the formation of Telangana and the first caste-based enumeration since independence.”

This year, the first phase of the census (Housing Census) will be conducted from May 11, 2026, to June 9, 2026, with self-enumeration scheduled between April 26 and May 10. The second phase will take place from February 9 to 28, 2027, and information about households without homes will be collected on February 28. A revision round is scheduled from March 1 to 5. The census will be carried out digitally and will collect detailed data, including housing conditions, amenities, property ownership and dietary habits covering 420 types of data in urban areas and 400 types in rural areas.