Pre-test for Census 2027 to be conducted in Oct.-Nov. , Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Pre-test for the Population Census 2027 will be conducted in October and November by the Registrar-General and Census Commissioner (RG & CCI).
• The 2027 Census will be the first digital Census and the first to enumerate caste in Independent India.
• A mobile app will be used for data collection for the first time.
• The pre-test will evaluate data collection methodologies, training effectiveness, and data quality assessment.
• The Census 2021 was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is now scheduled for 2027.
• The pre-test will only cover questions about the first phase and not the second population enumeration phase where caste is to be tabulated.

Detailed Insights:

• The pre-test is essential to test the efficacy of the entire census exercise, which includes Houselisting and Housing Schedule (HLO) and Population Enumeration.
• The census exercise will be held in two phases between April 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027.
• The pre-test will also try out aspects such as self-enumeration, digital mapping tools, and a web-based portal for real-time monitoring and management.
• The Union government informed the Lok Sabha on July 29 that no decision has been taken to update the National Population Register (NPR) during the upcoming Population Census 2027 exercise.
• The NPR database, which has the details of 119 crore residents, was updated in 2015-16.
• The RGI has informed the States that the boundaries of administrative units will be frozen by December 31.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Census: A complete enumeration of a population, usually recording demographic data.
• NPR (National Population Register): A record of usual residents of the country.
• NRC (National Register of Citizens): A register containing details of Indian citizens.
• Enumeration: The process of counting or listing people or items.