Census to be out finally, dated 2027

On Friday, December 12, the Union Cabinet sanctioned ₹11,718 crore for the Census 2027, as announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a press conference. Vaishnaw stated that the 2027 Census will be the "first-ever" digital Census. He explained that the Census will be carried out in two phases: the first phase will take place from April to September 2026, and the second phase will occur in February 2027.

Vaishnaw further mentioned, "Caste enumeration will be part of Census 2027." He indicated that the enumeration will encompass social status and caste data. Approximately 30 lakh functionaries will be deployed during this process.

In response to a query from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai provided details about the exercise, stating that the two phases consist of Phase I - House Listing and Housing Census, followed by Phase II - Population Enumeration (PE).

The first phase, scheduled from April to September 2026, will be conducted over a span of 30 days, tailored to the convenience of State/UT governments.

Rai noted that the Census questionnaire is finalised based on feedback and suggestions from various ministries, departments, organisations, and users of census data before each exercise.

The Census 2027 exercise

The Census process entails visiting every household and administering a distinct questionnaire for House Listing & Housing Census and Population Enumeration. Enumerators, typically government teachers appointed by state governments, will carry out the fieldwork for the Census alongside their regular responsibilities. The field functionaries will include enumerators, supervisors, master trainers, charge officers, and principal/district census officers. All Census functionaries will receive an appropriate honorarium for their work, as they will be performing these duties in addition to their regular tasks.

According to a government statement, the current goal is to ensure that the upcoming Census data is made available nationwide in the shortest time possible.

"First Census by digital means in the country. Data will be collected using mobile applications that will be available for both Android and iOS versions. A dedicated portal, namely the Census Management & Monitoring System (CMMS) portal, has been developed for managing and monitoring the entire Census process on a real-time basis. Houselisting Block (HLB) Creator web map application: Another innovation for Census 2027 is the HLB Creator web map application to be used by the Charge Officers," the release said.

"An option to self-enumerate will be provided to the public. Suitable security features have been provisioned for this mammoth digital operation," it added.

"Efforts will also be made to disseminate Census Results with more customised visualisation tools. Data sharing to all, up to the lowest Administrative Unit i.e. Village/Ward level."

The announcement stated that providing technical personnel at the district or state level will lead to capacity building, as the job will involve digital data management, monitoring, and coordination. "This will also help in the future employment prospects of these persons."

The Census serves as the primary source of essential data at the village, town, and ward levels, offering detailed micro-level information on a range of parameters such as Housing Condition, Amenities & Assets, Demography, Religion, SC & ST, Language, Literacy & Education, Economic Activity, Migration, and Fertility, according to the release.

The legal framework for conducting the Census is established by the Census Act of 1948 and the Census Rules of 1990.