India to Conduct Census and Caste Enumeration on March 1, 2027
India Gears Up for 2027 Census, Including Caste Enumeration
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that India’s population census, along with caste enumeration, will be conducted in two phases, starting from March 1, 2027. This exercise marks a significant milestone as India counts its population after a 17-year gap, with the last census taking place in 2011.
Key Highlights of the 2027 Census
- The census will be the first digital census in India, reflecting the country’s push towards digitalization.
- The reference date for the census will be 12 a.m. on March 1, 2027, with some exceptions for regions with non-synchronous snow-bound areas.
- The Union Cabinet had decided to include caste enumeration as part of the next census exercise on April 30.
Phases and Methodology
The census will be conducted in two phases. The notification for the intent of conducting the Census and the dates of the two phases will be published in the official gazette tentatively on June 16, as per the provision of section 3 of the Census Act, 1948.
Special Considerations for Certain Regions
For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 00:00 hours of October 1, 2026.
Significance and Background
The Census of India is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948, and the Census Rules, 1990. The last Census of India was conducted in 2011 in two phases: Phase I comprised House Listing (HLO) from April 1 to September 30, 2010, and Phase II, known as the Population Enumeration, was conducted from February 9 to February 28, 2011.
Implications and Future Developments
The inclusion of caste enumeration in the census has sparked discussions on its usefulness and potential impact on policy-making and social dynamics. As India prepares for this significant exercise, the outcomes are expected to provide valuable insights into the country’s demographic and socio-economic landscape.
The 2027 census, with its digital approach and inclusion of caste data, is poised to offer a comprehensive understanding of India’s current status, facilitating informed decision-making for future development initiatives.
