Author: Drushti Jayesh Shah, Adv. Balasaheb Apte College of Law
To The Point
The most awaiting and historical census of India is schedule to take place in 2027, In two phases starting from 1st March 2027, for Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from 1st October 2026. This will be the 16th census, which was originally planned for 2021 but faced delays due to the devastating Covid pandemic. Additional delays were caused by debates regarding the inclusion of caste enumeration. On June 16, following an official notification under the Census Act of 1948, the Home Ministry announced the dates and methodology for the census. This census is being referred to as historic because it will be the first time since 1931 that caste data will be included and it will also mark the first digital census in India. The information collected in this census will play a crucial role in determining the future delimitation of electoral constituencies and the distribution of parliamentary seats for the upcoming 2029 Lok Sabha elections, a topic that has sparked considerable debate due to the timing of the census. In this article, we will explore an overview of all the census conducted in India to date, along with the process, methods, and expected outcomes of the 2027 census.
Abstract
A population census involves the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of demographic, social, cultural, and economic data about all individuals within a country at a specific point in time, conducted every ten years. In a nation like India, characterized by its vast diversity of physical features, executing a population census represents one of the largest administrative undertakings during peacetime. India stands out as one of the few countries globally with a proud tradition of conducting a census every decade. This article will explore the rich history of the Indian Census as well as the upcoming significant census.
The Proof
History of Census in India:
India has long history of census. Historically, there are references to census in the Rig Veda (800-600 BC), the Arthashastra of Kautilya, the Ain-e-Akbari of the Mugal King Akbar etc. The history of Indian Census can be divided in two parts i.e. Pre Independence era and Post Independence era. In the pre independence the first census was conducted in year 1824 in the town of Allahabad. In the year 1830 the first complete census of a city was conducted. The Census in North Western provinces took place in 1852, which was regular house to house numbering of all the people in the province at the night of 31st December 1852. The first complete systematic Census in India by head to head count was conducted in 1872. Since then it was conducted every ten year in the year. After 1941 Census India got its independence in 1947. By the recommendation of Bhore Committee the census Act 1948 come into force. The censuses of post independence era were conducted as per the provisions of this Act. The first census of Independent India was conducted in 1951, which was the seventh census in its continuous series. Till today the last census conducted is 15th census in the year 2011 which was conducted in to phases:
Housing listing and housing census
Population enumeration
This census over the years has help the government to frame policies for the welfare of people according to the data generated by it. The upcoming census which was initially be scheduled in 2021 but due to covid pandemic it is now schedule in 2027.
Census 2027
The most awaiting census is schedule to be conducted in 2027 in two phases: phases starting from 1st March 2027, for Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from 1st October 2026. It will mark as the first fully digital census of India which will also include caste enumeration in it. There will be two primary stages of census
House listing and housing census: This phase involves visiting every building to gather data on household composition, type of building, construction material, number of rooms, access to water and electricity, sanitation facilities, fuel usage, and ownership of assets such as mobile phones, televisions, and vehicles. It provides critical insights into housing stock and living standards.
The housing census is typically conducted between March and September of the year before population enumeration.
Population enumeration: This phase records individual-level data such as name, age, sex, marital status, education, occupation, religion, caste/tribe, disability status, and migration history. Every individual, including the homeless, is counted. The data feed into national statistics on demographic and socioeconomic trends.
For the operations, approximately 3.4 million enumerators and supervisors, along with around 130,000 census functionaries, this enumerators will be government officers and school teachers. Since this is the first fully digital census, the Registrar General and Census Commission of India has introduced mobile applications, online self-enumeration, and real-time monitoring tools. Enumerators will be equipped with smartphones preloaded with census software, and households will be allowed to self-enumerate via a web portal or mobile app. A unique ID will be generated upon self-enumeration, which residents can present to enumerators for verification. Self-enumeration is a digital initiative that allows individuals to access, update, and validate their household information recorded in the National Population Register (NPR) through an online portal. This process ensures greater convenience, transparency, and accuracy by enabling citizens to complete the exercise independently. India’s Census app reportedly includes features such as Global Positioning System (GPS) integration, geofencing, and real-time error alerts. Enumerators will receive automated prompts for correcting inconsistencies in data, such as improbable ages or unrealistic household sizes. The new coding system replaces previously practiced handwritten entries with standardized, dropdown-based selections for caste, language, occupation, etc. The digitization method is expected to reduce human error and processing time of the data.
The caste enumeration being conducted for the first time since 1931, will play a crucial role in shaping the reservation policies for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The enumeration will facilitate a clearer and more useful categorization of castes for citizens. It will provide data to reassess the creamy layer concept within OBC reservations, as well as the 50% cap established in the Indira Sawhney case.
The data collected during this census will be instrumental in determining future delimitation of electoral constituencies and the allocation of parliamentary seats for the upcoming 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Areas with higher populations will be allocated more seats, a move that has already ignited significant debate.
Conclusion
The 2027 Census of India stands as a landmark event in the country’s demographic and socio-political landscape. Not only will it be the first fully digital and technologically driven census, but it also marks the return of caste-based enumeration after nearly a century—making it a historic and transformative exercise. By combining digital tools, self-enumeration portals, and real-time monitoring systems, this census promises greater accuracy, transparency, and efficiency. The data collected will hold immense significance, from shaping future policies on housing, health, and education to redrawing electoral boundaries and revisiting long-standing debates on reservations and social justice. As India prepares for this massive administrative undertaking, the 2027 Census will not only reflect the evolving character of its population but also serve as a foundation for inclusive governance, equitable resource distribution, and data-driven policy-making in the years to come.
FAQs
What are census?
A census is the official and systematic process of collecting, recording, and analyzing data about the members of a population. In the context of a population census, it refers to the process by which a government gathers detailed information about every person residing in the country at a specific point in time.
What is Enumerators?
Enumerators are the trained individuals appointed by the government to collect data during a census or survey. They are responsible for visiting households, asking questions, recording responses accurately, and ensuring that every person is counted.
What is the role of Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India?
The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India is the chief authority responsible for conducting the Census of India and maintaining vital statistics such as birth and death records.His office functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
