Why in News?
The Government of India has announced that the 16th Census will conclude by March 2027. This will be India’s first digital and caste-based Census since Independence.
What is a Census in India?
- A Census is the official enumeration of the population, collecting data on demography, economy, housing, literacy, and socio-cultural characteristics.
- It is conducted every 10 years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Legal and Constitutional Framework
- Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990 provide legal backing.
- Covered under Entry 69, Union List, Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, making it a Central subject.
History of Census in India
- First non-synchronous Census: 1872
- First synchronous Census: 1881 under W.C. Plowden
- Last Census: 2011 (the 2021 Census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
- The upcoming exercise will be the 16th Census overall and 8th Census since Independence.
Key Features of the 16th Census (2026–27)
- First Digital Census
- Data will be collected using a mobile application instead of traditional paper schedules.
- Caste Enumeration
- For the first time since 1947, caste data (excluding only SC/ST) will be collected.
- Self-Enumeration Option
- Citizens with updated National Population Register (NPR) details will be allowed to self-enumerate through an online portal.
- Two-Phase Enumeration
- Phase 1: House-listing and housing schedule
- Phase 2: Population enumeration, which will include caste-based data
- Reference Dates
- October 1, 2026 for snow-bound areas (e.g., J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh)
- March 1, 2027 for the rest of India
- Digital Training
- Over 30 lakh enumerators will be trained in digital tools and mobile app use.
- Delimitation Impact
- This Census will form the basis for delimitation of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies after 2026, replacing the use of 1971 Census data.
