Census exercise in Gujarat put on hold, to resume after local body elections

The Gujarat government has temporarily halted the ongoing census exercise in the state in view of the upcoming local self-government elections scheduled for April 26.

According to officials, the decision was taken as the administrative machinery, including teachers and government staff, is currently engaged in election-related duties. The census process, which was set to begin from April 5, will now be carried out after the completion of the elections.

Sujal Mayatra, Director of Census Operations for Gujarat, Diu, Daman and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, confirmed that the enumeration work has been postponed and will resume once polling-related responsibilities are concluded.

The state government has issued an official gazette notification formalising the decision. As part of this move, an earlier notification dated February 2, 2026, has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

The order has been issued under the provisions of the Gujarat General Clauses Act, 1904, specifically invoking Section 21, which allows the government to rescind previous notifications.

The notification was released in the name of the Governor of Gujarat by Deputy Secretary Maya M Dabhi.

Officials indicated that the census process will be restarted once the election process concludes, ensuring that administrative resources are fully available for both exercises.