Census 2027: Digital Drive, Caste Count, and a Race Against Time
The upcoming 2027 Census will be a landmark exercise, incorporating a robust digital framework alongside traditional methods. A self-enumeration web portal will allow citizens to input their details online, supplementing the traditional door-to-door enumeration.
Digital updates to the National Population Register (NPR) will also be integrated, streamlining the data collection process. Mobile devices will be used for data collection in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Crucially, caste will be included as a data point in the 2027 Census. This decision follows considerable debate and is expected to provide valuable insights into social dynamics across India.
Houselisting, the initial phase, is slated to begin on April 1, 2026. Population enumeration itself will commence on February 1, 2027.
The government has emphasized the importance of data security and comprehensive training for enumerators. To ensure a smooth operation, all administrative boundaries need to be finalized by December 31, 2025.
The ambitious timeline presents a significant challenge. The success of the 2027 Census hinges on meticulous planning and efficient execution, impacting policy formulation and resource allocation for years to come. The inclusion of caste data, in particular, holds implications for targeted social welfare programs and affirmative action initiatives.
