HomePoliticsIndia’s Mega Count Begins: ‘Digital Census 2027’ Announced After 15-Year Gap, Caste...

India’s Mega Count Begins: ‘Digital Census 2027’ Announced After 15-Year Gap, Caste Data to be Included

New Delhi: After a gap of over 15 years, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has officially rolled out plans for Census 2027, marking a historic return of the country’s largest demographic exercise. The last census was conducted in 2011, and the much-anticipated 2021 edition was repeatedly deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical concerns.

According to a notification issued on Monday, the population census will be conducted in two phases, starting October 1, 2026, with house listing and housing data collection. The second phase, involving detailed population enumeration, will begin on March 1, 2027.

The reference date for most of the country has been set as March 1, 2027, while snow-bound regions such as Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will follow an earlier reference date of October 1, 2026, due to weather constraints.

In a move towards modernization, this census will feature digital data collection. Around 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, along with 1.3 lakh census functionaries, will use digital devices to capture real-time data. Additionally, the government will launch a self-enumeration portal, allowing citizens to voluntarily submit their household and demographic details online.

One of the most significant additions this time is the inclusion of caste-based data, a long-standing demand by several states. This decision is poised to reshape the country’s understanding of social equity, providing critical insights for affirmative action, policy-making, and resource allocation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a recent high-level review meeting to assess preparations. During the meeting with Home Secretary, Registrar General, and Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, Shah emphasized, “Strict data protection protocols must be ensured from start to finish — from collection and transmission to storage.”

The Census 2027 will unfold in two key phases:

  • Phase 1: House Listing Operations (HLO) – Collection of data on housing type, household amenities, and infrastructure.
  • Phase 2: Population Enumeration (PE) – Gathering data on the population’s social, economic, and demographic details.

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