Studying abroad, visiting India or working overseas? Who gets counted in Census 2027
LUCKNOW: Indian residents temporarily travelling abroad during Census 2027 will be counted at their usual place of residence if they return within 35 days, subject to enumeration rules.The clarification comes ahead of the 15-day online self-enumeration exercise beginning Nov 16, which will continue until Nov 30, followed by door-to-door population enumeration from Dec 1, 2026, to Jan 4, 2027.Sheetal Verma, director of census operations and chief principal census officer, Uttar Pradesh, explained that temporary absence from India was different from ordinarily residing overseas.Indian citizens studying, working or permanently residing abroad throughout the enumeration period would generally not be included in their family's household merely because they hold Indian passports.Parents completing online self-enumeration should therefore not include children ordinarily residing abroad.However, if a temporarily absent family member returns during the enumeration period and qualifies for inclusion, the enumerator can update the household details during the physical visit.Personnel posted at Indian diplomatic missions abroad will be covered through special arrangements coordinated centrally.Conversely, foreign nationals ordinarily residing in India, including students and workers, will be counted irrespective of citizenship.
Short-term foreign visitors and diplomatic personnel enjoying immunity are subject to separate rules.Verma emphasised that the census records population, not citizenship, and inclusion does not confer Indian citizenship.Similarly, seasonal migrant workers residing in Uttar Pradesh during enumeration, including those employed at brick kilns, sugar mills and other establishments, will be counted in the state.They should inform enumerators at their places of origin to prevent duplication.The census reference time is midnight at the start of Jan 5, 2027.
A revisional round from January 5 to 9 will account for births, deaths and omissions.Final census data is scheduled to be made public in April 2027.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
