Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, Darshan H V, has appealed to residents to complete their house listing online as part of India’s first digital census initiative.
In an official release, the DC stated that census data collection is currently underway in the district in two phases under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948. The exercise is being conducted on behalf of the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
Self-enumeration option for citizens
Highlighting the digital push, Darshan H V informed that residents have been provided with the option of self house-listing, enabling them to submit their household details online without waiting for enumerators.
He assured citizens that all personal information collected during the process, including names and identity details, will remain strictly confidential. “The data will not be used for taxation or investigation purposes,” the release clarified, aiming to address privacy concerns among the public.
Process takes 15–20 minutes
The self-enumeration process, which is open from April 1 to April 15, is designed to be simple and user-friendly. According to officials, it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Residents are required to visit the official census portal, log in using a one-time password (OTP) sent to their registered mobile number, and select their state, district, and local administrative details. They must then mark the location of their house on a digital map and fill in the required household information.
Upon successful submission, a unique self-enumeration (SE) ID is generated. This ID must be shared with census enumerators during their subsequent verification visits.
Strong response in Dakshina Kannada
The district has already seen a positive response to the initiative. So far, 57,466 houses in Dakshina Kannada have been covered under the self house-listing process, reflecting growing public participation in the digital census drive.
Officials noted that the exercise is continuing across the district, with efforts being made to encourage more households to opt for the online method.
Appeal to complete within deadline
The Deputy Commissioner has urged all residents to complete their house listing within the stipulated timeframe to ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection.
He emphasised that public cooperation is crucial for the success of the digital census, which aims to modernise data collection and improve administrative planning and service delivery.
Conclusion
The digital census initiative marks a significant step towards leveraging technology in governance. With thousands of households already participating, authorities are hopeful of achieving full coverage in Dakshina Kannada. The administration has reiterated its appeal for residents to complete the process promptly and contribute to building an accurate national database.