National Population Census In India After 17 Years, To Begin In 2027: Sources

Population census In India: India will conduct its national and caste census, starting March 1, 2027, after a 17-year gap. The census will occur in two phases, beginning earlier.

The 16th population census in India will be conducted in 2027.

Source : PTI

Population census in India: India will conduct its national census after 17 years. The census will start from March 1, 2027, say sources. This will be India's 16th population census and the first under Narendra Modi's government.

The census will be done along with the caste census. The national census will be conducted in two phases. In the hilly regions of the north early. India's population census will start from October 1, 2026, in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal, the sources said.

The last census in India was conducted in 2011 and that, too, was conducted in two phases, beginning on April 1, 2010. India's census has historically followed a 10-year pattern.

The notification for the Census will be issued on June 16, 2025. The preparations for the Census will, however, begin this year.

Why Was 2021 Census Delayed?

The census after 2011 was scheduled for 2021. However, it was deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first such delay in India's history. With over 1.4 billion citizens, counting every individual is not just a logistical feat; it is a vital tool that influences everything from policymaking and economic planning to resource allocation and welfare schemes.

How Is Census Conducted?

The Census is usually conducted in two main phases. The first phase includes house-listing and housing census, which captures details of all structures. This includes the type of structures, the amenities available, and the assets.

The second phase involves the actual counting of the population. This phase involves the collection of details about every individual in the country, regardless of nationality.

Why Is Census Important?

For a nation as vast and diverse as India, the population census is more than a numbers game. It forms the bedrock of evidence-based governance. From determining how many schools and hospitals a district needs to redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies, the census impacts countless aspects of the daily lives of India's citizens.

What sets the Indian census apart is its scale and depth. It not only counts people but also captures key socio-economic indicators, such as literacy rates, housing conditions, access to sanitation, migration patterns, and much more. These insights are critical for governments, researchers, and social organisations alike.

For the first time, digital tools are likely to be used extensively for the population and caste census.