Census 2027 Rules India: With the commencement of the digital census process in India for 2027, cyber fraudsters have already begun targeting the public. People often find themselves confused regarding exactly what information they should or should not share with a census official visiting their home. Can they request a copy of your Aadhaar card or an OTP (One-Time Password) received on your mobile phone?

The primary objective of the census is to collect statistical data, not to confiscate your personal documents. Consequently, a lack of accurate knowledge regarding the rules can expose you to significant financial risks or the threat of identity theft. Therefore, in this article, let us understand precisely what information a census official is permitted to request from you—and what they are not.

What Information Can Census Officials NOT Ask For?

OTP (One-Time Password) – At no stage of the official census process will you be asked for the OTP received on your mobile phone; anyone making such a request is likely a fraudster.
Bank Details – Census officials will never ask for your bank account details, ATM PIN, or credit card numbers.
Original Documents – They cannot ask you to submit your original documents or photocopies thereof.
Monetary Demands – The census is an entirely government-funded process; no citizen is required to pay even a single rupee for it.

How to Verify an Official's Identity?

First, ask the person visiting your home to display their official identity card, which must bear the seal of the Government of India.
You may also request to see their appointment letter issued by their respective department.
For the 2027 Digital Census, officials will utilize only the official government 'Census Portal' or the designated mobile application.
If you have any doubts or suspicions, immediately verify the official's authenticity with your Ward Councilor or the local police station.

What Information Is Mandatory to Provide During the Census?

It is mandatory to provide general information regarding family members, such as their names, ages, gender, marital status, and educational qualifications.
Information regarding details such as the number of rooms in your home, the source of drinking water, toilet facilities, and the type of cooking fuel used will be collected. If you have opted for 'Self-Enumeration' (self-counting), you simply need to show your reference number to the official.
You may be asked about the fields of work and sources of income (excluding bank details) of the primary members of your household.

**Essential Safety Tips**
For safety reasons, you may provide the requested information while standing at your doorstep or from the gate itself.
Do not enter your personal details on any suspicious links sent via WhatsApp or SMS in the name of the census.
If anyone forcibly demands an OTP from you, immediately call 1930 to file a cybercrime complaint.
For the verification of any information, rely solely on the 'censusindia.gov.in' portal.

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