Context
- Census 2027 will include caste enumeration for the first time in an official decennial Census since 1931.
- Ladakh and other snow-bound areas will conduct population enumeration earlier, in September 2026, due to climatic constraints.
What is Census ?
- A Census is the official, periodic enumeration of a country’s population, collecting demographic, social and economic information for planning and policymaking.
- Census 2027, India’s 16th Census and 8th since Independence, will be conducted in two phases—Houselisting & Housing Census in 2026, followed by Population Enumeration in 2027. The normal reference date is 1 March 2027, while Ladakh and specified snow-bound areas will follow an earlier reference date of 1 October 2026.
Why will Ladakh conduct Census earlier?
- Severe winter conditions make enumeration difficult during the normal census period.
- Therefore, Ladakh and specified snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand follow a non-synchronous schedule.
- This will also be the first Census of Ladakh as a Union Territory.
Caste Enumeration: The Historical Context
- 1931: Last comprehensive caste enumeration under the Census.
- Post-Independence: Census has traditionally enumerated SCs and STs, but not all castes.
- SECC 2011: Collected caste-related data separately from the decennial Census.
- Census 2027: Caste enumeration will be undertaken during Population Enumeration.
Why Caste Data Matters
- Provides updated data on social composition and inequalities.
- Helps in evidence-based welfare and affirmative-action policies.
- Enables assessment of socio-economic disparities and representation.
Digital Census 2027
- First fully digital Census of India.
- Mobile-based enumeration by field workers.
- Self-enumeration facility for citizens.
- Digital mapping of Enumeration Blocks.
- Census Management & Monitoring System (CMMS) for monitoring and management.
- Expected participation of around 30 lakh functionaries.
Legal & Constitutional Anchors
- Census Act, 1948 – statutory basis.
- Census Rules, 1990 – operational framework.
- Conducted by Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Constitution: Census is a Union subject under Entry 69, Union List, Seventh Schedule.
Q. With reference to Census 2027, consider the following statements:
1. It will be India’s first fully digital Census.
2. Caste enumeration will be undertaken during Population Enumeration.
3. Ladakh will have a separate reference date from most of India.
4. Census is a subject under the concurrent List.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 3 only
• Statement 1 – Correct: Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital Census.
• Statement 2 – Correct: Caste enumeration will be conducted during the Population Enumeration phase.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Ladakh will have a separate reference date of 1 October 2026, unlike 1 March 2027 for most of India.
• Statement 4 – Incorrect: Census is a Union subject under Entry 69, Union List of the Seventh Schedule.