What's Happening?
The Indian government has approved a budget of Rs 11,718 crore for conducting the Census 2027, which will be executed in two phases and will include a caste count for the first time. The census is set to be the first-ever digital enumeration exercise
in India, with a reference date of March 1, 2027, and October 1, 2026, for snow-bound areas. The process will utilize mobile applications for data collection and a central portal for monitoring, ensuring better data quality. The Census Management & Monitoring System will track the process in real-time. The exercise will involve around 30 lakh enumerators and generate over one crore human-days of employment. The census will be conducted in two phases: house-listing and housing census from April to September 2026, and population enumeration in February 2027. The data collected will include demographic, socio-cultural, and economic parameters, with a revisional round for objections scheduled for March 1-5, 2027, and October 1-5, 2026, for snow-bound areas.
Why It's Important?
The Census 2027 is significant as it will provide updated and accurate population data, which is crucial for policy-making and development planning in India. The inclusion of a caste count for the first time could have implications for social and economic policies, potentially affecting resource allocation and affirmative action programs. The digital nature of the census aims to improve data accuracy and efficiency, reflecting India's advancement in technology adoption. The exercise will also create substantial employment opportunities, contributing to the economy. The data collected will serve as a foundation for future development strategies, helping to address socio-economic disparities and improve public services.
What's Next?
The Indian government will issue a notification detailing the questions to be asked during the census, following consultations. The process will ensure data protection, with personal data treated as confidential under the data protection law. The government will publish aggregated data while keeping individual data private. The successful execution of the digital census could set a precedent for future data collection exercises, influencing how demographic information is gathered and utilized in India.
