India to Conduct Population Census 2027 in Two Phases with Caste Enumeration

After a 16-year gap since the last official population count, the Government of India has announced the Population Census 2027, to be conducted in two phases along with caste enumeration. The reference date for most regions will be 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, while for the Union Territory of Ladakh, and snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be October 1, 2026. This marks a significant step in reviving the decadal census process, which was postponed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why in News?

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently announced that the Population Census 2027 will include caste enumeration and will be conducted in two phases, reaffirming the government’s intent to modernize and update demographic data crucial for governance, planning, and social welfare schemes. The notification of the census will be published in the Official Gazette on June 16, 2025, under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948.

Background of Census in India

• The Census of India is governed by the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990.
• The last full population census was conducted in 2011, with over 1.2 billion people enumerated.
• The 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite all preparatory work being completed.

Key Features of Census 2027

Conducted in Two Phases

• Phase I: House Listing Operations
• Phase II: Population Enumeration

Reference Date

• March 1, 2027 for most of India.
• October 1, 2026 for Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Inclusion of Caste Enumeration

• For the first time in decades, caste enumeration will be officially conducted alongside the population count.
• Aimed at gathering granular socio-economic data for evidence-based policy making and social justice programs.

Objectives and Importance

• Update population figures to reflect the current demographic trends.
• Aid in planning public infrastructure, allocating welfare schemes, and electoral management.
• Caste data will help in evaluating the effectiveness of reservation policies and identifying marginalized communities.

Static and Legal Facts

• Legal basis: Section 3 of Census Act, 1948
• Notification Date: 16 June 2025

Last census phases

• 2011: House Listing (Apr–Sep 2010), Enumeration (Feb 2011)
• 2021 (Postponed): Planned for Apr 2020 and Feb 2021