Understanding the Census of India 2027: A Digital Approach

Census of India 2027: A New Era of data collection

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for the Census of India 2027 at a cost of Rs 11,718.24 crore. This will mark India's 16th national census and the first entirely digital census, introducing significant changes in data collection, storage, and sharing.

The objective of Census 2027 is to produce data that is faster, cleaner, and more accessible, which is essential for effective policy-making.

Census 2027: A Two-Phased Approach

This approval is a crucial step towards initiating one of the world's largest administrative and statistical exercises. The census will be conducted in two phases:

• Houselisting and Housing Census: April to September 2026
• population enumeration: February 2027

For snow-bound regions in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the Population Enumeration will take place earlier, in September 2026. Approximately 30 lakh field workers will participate in this national operation.

Background of the Census

Census 2027 will be the 16th Census of India and the 8th since gaining independence. It serves as the primary source of essential data at village, town, and ward levels. The census provides insights into:

• Household conditions
• Amenities and assets
• Demographics
• Religious affiliations
• SC/ST population statistics
• Language and literacy rates
• Migration patterns
• Economic activity
• Fertility and social trends

The legal framework for this exercise is governed by the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990.

Implementation Strategy

The census will involve visiting every household, utilizing separate questionnaires for both phases. Enumerators, primarily government school teachers, will conduct fieldwork alongside supervisors and district-level officials. Around 30 lakh census workers will oversee field operations, supported by approximately 3 million personnel including supervisors and master trainers. All workers will receive an honorarium as census duties are in addition to their regular jobs.

Innovative Features of Census 2027

The 2027 Census will introduce groundbreaking features, including:

• India's First Digital Census: Data will be gathered via a mobile application available on both Android and iOS, enhancing speed and accuracy.
• Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS): An online portal will enable real-time tracking of the entire operation.
• Houselisting Block Creator Web Map Application: This tool will assist officers in organizing houselisting blocks.
• Self-Enumeration Option: For the first time, individuals can count themselves using a digital platform.
• Strong Digital Security: Advanced measures will protect personal data throughout the process.
• National Awareness Campaign: A campaign will promote public participation, ensuring accurate data collection.
• Caste Enumeration: The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided to include caste data electronically during the Population Enumeration phase.

Benefits of Census 2027

This census will encompass the entire population of India. The transition to digital methods will yield clean, machine-readable data that is easily accessible. Through Census as a Service (CAAS), ministries will receive actionable data formats to enhance policy-making. Dissemination of data will be faster and user-friendly, allowing access down to the village or ward level.

employment generation and Economic Impact

Census 2027 will significantly contribute to local employment and skill development. Approximately 18,600 technical personnel will be deployed for nearly 550 days, generating around 10.2 million man-days of employment. These workers will gain valuable experience in digital data handling, monitoring, and coordination, improving their future job prospects. Additionally, the project will enhance digital capacity at district and state levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the cost of the Census of India 2027?
Answer: The Census of India 2027 has been approved at a cost of Rs 11,718.24 crore, signaling a significant investment in data collection and analysis.

Q2. When will the Population Enumeration phase begin for Census 2027?
Answer: The Population Enumeration phase is scheduled to start in February 2027, except for certain snow-bound regions where it will begin in September 2026.

Q3. How will data be collected in Census 2027?
Answer: Data will be collected using a mobile application available on both Android and iOS, marking India's first fully digital census.

Q4. Are there any new features in Census 2027?
Answer: Yes, Census 2027 will include a self-enumeration option, real-time monitoring through CMMS, and enhanced digital security for personal data.

Q5. How will Census 2027 impact employment?
Answer: The census will generate around 10