Registrar-General of India issues 2027 Census notification, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Census 2027 officially notified by the Registrar-General of India under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948.
• Reference date set as March 1, 2027, except for snow-bound regions, where it is October 1, 2026.
• Freezing of administrative boundaries now in effect to preserve enumeration units.
• Census to be conducted in two phases: House Listing Operations and Population Enumeration.
• Digital tools and mobile applications will be used with self-enumeration options for citizens.
• Deployment of around 34 lakh enumerators/supervisors and 1.3 lakh Census functionaries.
• Pre-test exercises and House Listing notifications to be issued separately in due course.

Detailed Insights:

• The notification prohibits changes in administrative boundaries (e.g., tehsils, districts, police stations) to maintain data consistency.
• First such exercise after a long delay — 2021 Census postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Special reference dates for snow-bound areas in Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand accommodate logistical challenges.
• Shift to a digital census model marks a transition in data collection — aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing manual error.
• Self-enumeration empowers citizens to update demographic details via apps.
• Data security protocols to be implemented rigorously during collection, transmission, and storage.
• Census data is critical for planning, policy-making, electoral processes, welfare schemes, and resource allocation.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Self-Enumeration: Process allowing individuals to input their own data via digital platforms.
• Digital Census: Use of mobile apps and electronic devices for real-time data entry and processing.
• Enumeration Blocks: Geographical units forming the basis for census data collection.
• Freezing of Boundaries: Administrative mechanism preventing alteration of jurisdictional limits during census operations.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the significance of conducting the Census through digital means. What are the potential advantages and challenges associated with India’s digital Census 2027?