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About Census in India:
- Legal Backing: The Census in India is conducted under the Census Act, 1948, every 10 years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- First Census: Conducted in 1872 (non-synchronous), the first complete and synchronous Census was held in 1881 under British rule.
- Post-Independence Censuses: India has conducted 7 Censuses since independence — in 1951, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001, and 2011. The 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political considerations.
- Scope:
The Indian Census is the largest administrative exercise in the world, providing crucial data on:- Population size and growth
- Demographic characteristics (age, sex, literacy, etc.)
- Migration patterns
- Housing conditions and amenities
- Socio-economic indicators
- Significance: Census data is vital for:
- Delimitation of constituencies
- Allocation of resources
- Formulating welfare policies
- Tracking developmental progress
Key Features of the 2027 Census:
- Digital Data Collection: Enumerators will use smartphone-based apps – Census 2021-Household and PE-Census 2021 – to enter household and population data. A paper-based backup will be used if digital issues arise.
- Real-Time Monitoring via CMMS Portal:Monitors appointment and training of functionaries
- Tracks fieldwork in real time
- Auto-generates abstracts and reports
- Scale of Operation:Coverage: 33 crore households, 136 crore people. 30 lakh enumerators, across 24 lakh blocks (~800 persons/block)
- First Time Inclusion:Comprehensive caste data will be collected for the first time in independent India.
- Timeline:
- Two-phase Census to conclude by Feb 28, 2027.
- Official notification expected by June 16, 2025.
Why in News?
- The Government of India has announced that the 2027 Census will be conducted using mobile apps and smartphones for data collection — marking the first-ever digital Census in India.
