PATNA, April 16 -- Authorities on Wednesday urged Bihar citizens to participate in the houselisting and housing census (Phase I) through a newly introduced digital self-enumeration facility ahead of the traditional door-to-door enumeration drive from May 2 to May 31. At a press conference organised by the state directorate of census operations, officials said that residents can submit their household details online (se.census.gov.in) from their homes using a mobile phone or computer between April 17 and May 1. Director of census operations and civil registration, Ranjita, and deputy director, Sanjeev Kumar Saw, said that registration can be completed on the official portal using the name of the head of the family and any household member's mobile number. However, they noted that one cannot use the same mobile number to register a different person. Upon submission, the system will generate an 11-digit unique self-enumeration ID, which one must share with enumerators during their visit. "Once a unique self-enumeration ID is generated, the individual will not be able to edit any particulars. However, if any correction needs to be undertaken, it can be done by sharing the ID with the enumerator when s/he visits the house," said Ranjita. Around 2.5 lakh enumerators, mostly school teachers, have been roped in for the exercise, she added. Ranjita said the initiative aims to simplify the process, minimise mistakes, save time, and ensure smoother and more efficient data collection. Ranjita said all information collected under the Census Act, 1948 will remain strictly confidential with encryption safeguards to protect personal data. Officials appealed for widespread participation, stressing that the census plays a crucial role in public welfare planning at all stages....