Next Census to Conclude by March 2027: Govt., Pg1

India’s next Census will conclude by March 1, 2027, after a 16-year gap, delayed from 2021 due to the pandemic.

• It will be the first digital Census and also the first post-Independence to include caste enumeration.
• To be conducted in two phases: house listing and housing schedule, followed by population enumeration.
• Caste enumeration will take place in the second phase.
• 24 lakh enumeration blocks from the planned 2021 Census will be reused, with 30 lakh enumerators to be retrained.
• Reference date: March 1, 2027; for snow-bound areas and Ladakh, October 1, 2026.
• Gazette notification tentatively scheduled for June 16, 2025.

Detailed Insights:

• The Census Act, 1948 governs the exercise, which will use mobile apps for digital data collection.
• A new caste drop box will be added alongside SC/ST categories, marking a major shift in demographic data collection.
• No announcement on update of the National Population Register (NPR), which was earlier planned to be updated alongside the 2021 Census.
• Self-enumeration via an online portal may be allowed for households with updated NPR details.
• The 2027 Census data will influence delimitation of constituencies and 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, as mandated post-2026 by the Constitution.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Digital Census: Use of mobile applications and online platforms for real-time data collection and self-enumeration.
• NPR (National Population Register): Database of residents forming a basis for NRC as per Citizenship Rules, 2003.
• Delimitation: Redrawing boundaries of electoral constituencies based on updated population figures.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the significance and challenges of conducting India’s first digital and caste-based Census. How will it impact governance, electoral representation, and policy planning?