New Delhi: This time a special census is coming.  The first census to be digitized is about to take place. 


   It also has the possibility of self-enumeration.  In response to a question, the central government on Tuesday briefed the Lok Sabha on the details. 


 Will the 2021 census be different compared to the past?  Are there any changes?  Need any additional information?  Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the central government. 


 The Central Government has answered this question in writing.  It said it had created a mobile app for data collection.  The Census Portal has been developed for the management and monitoring of various aspects of the census.  People's mobile phone numbers and other details are required to login to this portal.  That said, individuals need to submit certain details for self-enumeration.  The details should be filled in the fields in the application and everything should have the relevant code.  Stated that the identification number would be sent to the registered mobile number given by the person after self enumeration.  Authorities were asked to provide this identification number to coordinate this information. 


 This information will not be used to create other databases such as National Citizens' List (NRC).  The Census Act, 1948 states that this information is not disclosed.


 Union Home Minister Nithyanand Roy has said that there is no proposal to release information by caste at this stage.