Census 2027 questionnaire raises privacy and purpose concerns
The 2027 Census population enumeration form includes 40 questions on bank accounts, mobile numbers, Aadhaar and voter IDs, raising concerns about straying from policy data.
The questionnaire for the population enumeration phase of the 2027 Census has drawn scrutiny for its extensive scope. The form contains 40 questions, seeking details that go beyond traditional demographic data, including nationality, number of bank accounts, mobile numbers, and — if available — Aadhaar and voter ID numbers.
Officials and experts have expressed concern that such personal and financial information may digress from the core purpose of the Census, which is to collect data for policy formulation and planning. The inclusion of identity-linked details has sparked debate over privacy and the potential for data misuse.
The Census is a crucial exercise for governance, as its findings influence resource allocation, scheme design, and administrative decisions. However, the expanded questionnaire has raised questions about whether the enumeration is overstepping its mandate and whether respondents fully understand how their sensitive information will be handled.
While the government has not yet clarified the rationale behind these specific questions, the concerns highlight the need for transparency and safeguards as the country prepares for the massive data-collection exercise.