2027 Census activities at an advanced stage: RGI
Caste will be enumerated during second phase
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Context
The Registrar General of India has announced that the 2027 Census operations are advancing, with field activities set to begin. This will be the first census since 2011, making it a crucial exercise for updating national data after a significant delay. Key features of the 2027 Census include its digital-first approach, allowing for self-enumeration, and the politically significant decision to enumerate caste for the first time since 1931.
UPSC Perspectives
Polity & Governance
The Census of India is a cornerstone of public administration, mandated by the Constitution under Article 246 and listed as a Union subject in the Seventh Schedule. The entire exercise is governed by the [Census Act, 1948], which provides the legal framework for its conduct, ensures the confidentiality of collected data, and makes it obligatory for citizens to provide truthful information. The 2027 Census introduces significant governance reforms by shifting to a digital-first model. This includes data collection via mobile apps by enumerators and a self-enumeration portal for residents. This move towards e-governance aims to enhance efficiency, reduce processing time, and improve data accuracy. However, this digital transition also presents challenges such as ensuring data security, bridging the digital divide in rural and remote areas, and adequately training a massive workforce of 31 lakh enumerators. The office of the [Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India], operating under the [Ministry of Home Affairs], is responsible for this monumental task, which is fundamental for delimitation, fiscal devolution, and evidence-based policymaking.
Social
The most transformative social aspect of the 2027 Census is the inclusion of a caste count. While data on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) has been consistently collected, a comprehensive enumeration of all castes has not been done in the decennial census since 1931. This decision is a response to long-standing demands for accurate data on Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to facilitate social justice and rationalize reservation policies. For instance, the [Mandal Commission] relied on the outdated 1931 data to make its recommendations for OBC reservations. Proponents argue that a caste census is essential for creating targeted welfare schemes and understanding the socio-economic status of various communities. Critics, however, fear that it could entrench caste identities and lead to social friction. The data gathered will be critical for assessing the effectiveness of affirmative action policies and fulfilling the constitutional mandate to investigate the conditions of backward classes under [Article 340].
Economic
Census data forms the bedrock of economic planning and resource allocation in India. The data drought since the 2011 Census has compelled policymakers to rely on projections, which can be inaccurate for formulating targeted policies and schemes. The upcoming census is critical for the proper implementation of welfare programs like the [National Food Security Act, 2013], which depends on accurate population estimates for its targeted public distribution system. Furthermore, the Finance Commission uses census data to determine the devolution of funds to states. An updated population count is essential for equitable fiscal federalism. For the business sector, census data provides vital insights into consumer demographics, market size, and regional variations, enabling informed decisions on investment and expansion. The granular data on population, migration, and urbanization will be invaluable for infrastructure planning and addressing regional economic disparities.