After a gap of 15 years, India is set to begin its Census, with the first phase, ‘House Listing’, generating significant nationwide discussion. In this process, every household will need to answer approximately 40 questions, either by enumerators visiting homes or online. Through these questions, the Modi government will collect socio-economic data for every family in the country. This includes queries about the primary staple food consumed at home, whether it’s rice or roti. If roti, then what kind of grain (wheat, jowar, bajra) is used? The government’s policy of promoting millets is clearly reflected in these questions.

Additionally, the survey will seek detailed information about the type of dwelling (owned or rented), construction materials (cement, mud, bamboo, brick), toilets, kitchen location, and cooking fuel (especially to assess the effectiveness of the Ujjwala scheme). To gauge technological modernity, information will also be collected on the number of mobile phones and smartphones in the household, the type of computer and internet connection, and vehicles used for commuting (car, motorcycle, bicycle). The current status of basic services like electricity, water, and roads will also emerge through this census, providing a comprehensive picture of the country’s overall development.