Census 2027: UP to count homeless on Jan 4 night | Lucknow News

LUCKNOW: For those who have no roof over their heads, a flyover becomes a shelter, a railway platform a resting place and a pavement their home. On the night of Jan 4, 2027, census enumerators will venture into these spaces across Uttar Pradesh to count people who might otherwise remain invisible in the country’s population records.The special night-time exercise, scheduled for the final day of Census 2027 population enumeration, will cover people living under flyovers, near railway stations, bus terminals, markets, construction sites, religious places and other public spaces.According to Census 2011, Uttar Pradesh had 72,452 houseless households, compared to 43,033 in 2001, an increase of around 68% over the decade. The figures underline the importance of identifying people without conventional housing during the upcoming exercise.Sheetal Verma, Director of Census Operations and Chief Principal Census Officer, Uttar Pradesh, said the exercise would ensure that houseless households were included in the population count.“The enumeration of houseless households will begin the moment the sun sets on Jan 4 and continue until 11.59 pm that night,” said Sheetal.District Magistrates and other senior officials will visit night shelters, flyovers and railway stations to oversee the exercise.According to census guidelines, multiple enumerators may be deployed wherever the houseless population is large. Additional enumerators will record details on paper schedules, which the designated enumeration block enumerator will subsequently enter into the Population Enumeration mobile application.The census classifies households into three categories: normal, institutional and houseless. The objective is to ensure complete coverage without omission or duplication.Every eligible resident will be counted irrespective of age, sex, caste, religion or origin. No documentary proof will be required from respondents.The population enumeration will run from Dec 1 to Jan 4, followed by a revisional round from Jan 5 to 9 to update births, deaths and omissions.