India is preparing for its next Census in 2027, and the government is planning something new. The Registrar General of India (RGI) is likely to outsource the overall technology operations, including IT services and cybersecurity, to ensure a smooth and secure process. This marks a shift from traditional government-run systems to managed services by central public sector units (CPSUs).
Why Outsourcing?
The Census is one of the largest exercises in the world, covering more than 1.4 billion people. Collecting and protecting such a massive amount of data is no small task. The RGI has issued a request for proposal, inviting CPSUs to handle IT services. The government is expected to spend around 50 crore rupees on cybersecurity and related IT work.
By outsourcing, officials hope to strengthen the backbone of the digital systems needed for the Census. The chosen CPSU will be responsible for managing the National Data Centre in Delhi and two disaster recovery sites in Lucknow and Bengaluru. The contract will run for three years and will cover infrastructure, applications, and security.
A Focus on Cybersecurity
In a time when cyberattacks have become more frequent worldwide, securing the Census data has become critical. The IT services will use advanced tools like next-generation firewalls, DDoS protection, patch management, and endpoint security. These measures are not just technical jargon. They are shields to protect sensitive data such as house listings and demographic information of the population.
An officer explained that the security of Census data is vital because it contains valuable information about every household in the country. If compromised, it could affect everything from policymaking to welfare schemes.
The Role of SOC Teams
One of the key features of the plan is the creation of a Security Operation Centre (SOC). The SOC team will consist of both analysts and engineers. Their task will be to monitor servers, databases, websites, and networks round the clock. Whenever a threat appears, they will identify it quickly and act to neutralize it.
A senior officer highlighted that the SOC’s primary duty is to protect the Census organisation from cyberattacks. Analysts will study incidents in detail to find out if they are real threats or false alarms. This proactive approach is expected to reduce the risk of data leaks and disruptions.
Preparing for 2027
The Census fieldwork will formally begin on April 1, 2026. That means the digital backbone must be ready well before then. With more services moving online, this step shows that the government is aware of the growing importance of data security.
Outsourcing to CPSUs rather than private companies also reflects a cautious approach. It keeps control within government-linked organisations while still bringing in specialised expertise. This balance may provide both accountability and efficiency.
A New Chapter in India’s Digital Census
The decision to outsource technical operations of Census 2027 is more than just an administrative change. It reflects how the government views technology as a critical partner in governance. From data centres to cyber defence, the Census will rely on advanced systems to serve as the foundation of accurate national records.
For the people of India, it means that their information will be handled with stronger safeguards. For the government, it translates moving closer to a modern, secure, and technology-driven way of conducting one of its most important exercises.
mukund shandilya
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