Centre Issues Notification For First Phase of Census of India 2027

Syllabus: GS2/Governance; GS3/Economy

In News

• The Centre has issued the notification for the first phase of the Census of India 2027.

About the Census

• The census is the systematic process of collecting, compiling, and analyzing a country’s population. Historical references to population counts can be found from Kautilya’s Arthashastra to Akbar’s Ain-i-Akbari. 
• The modern synchronous census, where data is collected simultaneously across the country, began in 1881 during British rule, with W. C. Plowden as India’s first Census Commissioner. 
• Information was recorded in census schedules, which evolved over time but generally included questions on age, sex, mother tongue, literacy, religion, and caste. 
• The Census is a Union list subject while the Census Act, 1948 is the key legislation governing the Census process. It authorises the Central government to undertake Census operations and appoint a Census Commissioner to supervise the entire exercise. 
• The Union Cabinet has approved the census at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore, and caste enumeration will also be included in Census 2027.
  • This will be India’s first fully digital census, using mobile applications on Android and iOS.

How is the Census conducted?

• The process is carried out in two broad phases: the House-listing and Housing Census, followed by the Population Enumeration. 
• House-listing phase: Every building is surveyed to record details about households and housing, including structure type, ownership, number of rooms, construction materials, access to water, electricity, toilets, cooking fuel, and household assets. This phase provides an overview of housing conditions and access to basic amenities and is expected to be conducted in 2026.
• Population enumeration phase: Conducted after house-listing, it collects individual-level data such as age, sex, education, occupation, religion, caste/tribe, disability, and migration history for every person, including the homeless. This forms the core demographic and socio-economic Census data.
• Data processing: Information is centrally processed and released in stages, starting with provisional population figures, followed by detailed tables, with quality checks and audits ensuring accuracy.

Importance 

• Policy & Planning: Provides baseline data for schemes in health, education, housing, and employment.
• Resource Allocation: Determines distribution of funds to states and local bodies.
• Representation: Forms the basis for delimitation of constituencies and reservation policies.
  • The 2027 Census is especially significant as it will enumerate caste for all Hindus, enable delimitation of seats in legislatures, and inform the one-third reservation of seats for women.
• Digital Transformation: Use of mobile apps and self-enumeration enhances efficiency, transparency, and speed of data release.

 Issues and Concerns 

• Challenges to Digital Governance: Digital ensuring participation from rural, remote, and marginalized communities with limited internet access is challenging.
• Data Concerns: There are concerns about safeguarding sensitive demographic and caste data against misuse or breaches.
• Coordination issue: Coordinating across all States and Union Territories within tight timelines.
• Urban Complexity: Migrant populations, informal housing, and rapid urbanization complicate accurate enumeration.

 Conclusion and Way Forward 

• The Census 2027 is a landmark exercise in India’s governance, combining tradition with digital innovation. 
• Its success will depend on bridging the digital divide, ensuring robust data protection, and fostering public trust. While challenges remain, the census offers an unprecedented opportunity to create a comprehensive, inclusive, and timely demographic profile of India. 
• This will be vital for shaping policies in the coming decades, aligning national development with the realities of a diverse and dynamic population.

Source :Air