Get ready for door-to-door housing census, first phase in Ludhiana to kick off in May.

Ludhiana: As the Union ministry of home affairs officially notifies the schedule for the house listing and housing phase of the upcoming national Census 2027, local authorities in Ludhiana have swung into action. The administration has initiated an extensive awareness campaign to sensitise residents about the 33 specific questions that will be posed during this foundational phase. According to senior officials, specialised training for the designated employees is set to commence shortly, with the ground-level survey expected to begin in April.While the preparatory training starts in early spring, the actual housing census—marking the first phase of the national exercise—is slated to begin across the state by mid-May. The list of questions, released directly by the Union Ministry, focuses on the structural and socio-economic fabric of Indian households.
Comprehensive data pointsThe enumerators will record detailed technical aspects of residences, including building numbers (whether municipal, local authority, or census-assigned) and census house numbers. The survey will meticulously document the predominant materials used in the construction of floors, walls, and roofs. Furthermore, data will be collected regarding the current usage of the census house, its overall physical condition, and the specific household number assigned to the inhabitants.The inquiry extends into the demographics and living conditions of the residents. Households will be asked to provide the total number of persons normally residing on the premises, the name and gender of the head of the household, and whether the head belongs to a Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or other categories. The survey also covers the ownership status of the dwelling, the number of rooms exclusively possessed by the family, and the number of married couples residing within the unit.A significant portion of the 33 questions targets civic amenities and lifestyle assets. Residents must disclose their main source of drinking water and its availability, the primary source of lighting, and details regarding sanitation, including access to latrines, the specific type of latrine used, and waste-water outlets. The survey also tracks the availability of bathing facilities, kitchens, and LPG/PNG connections, alongside the main fuel used for cooking.To map the digital divide and economic standing, the census will record the possession of radios, televisions, laptops, computers, and internet access. The reach of communication technology will be measured through the presence of telephones, mobile phones, or smartphones. Transportation assets, ranging from bicycles and scooters to cars and vans, will also be logged. Finally, the survey will note the main cereal consumed by the household and collect mobile numbers strictly for census-related communications.Local authorities emphasized that the Census remains an indispensable tool for national planning and development. The insights gathered will directly shape public policies and welfare programs for the next decade. Officials have urged citizens to cooperate fully with the survey teams to ensure the collection of accurate and reliable data.