KKN Gurugram Desk | The Government of India has officially announced the commencement of the 16th decennial Census, scheduled to begin in April 2026. This census is set to be groundbreaking, as it will include caste enumeration for the first time since 1931, marking a significant shift in the country’s demographic data collection practices.

Key Highlights:

• Census Timeline: The census will be conducted in two phases, starting in April 2026, with the reference date set as March 1, 2027. In snow-bound regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh, the census will commence earlier, from October 1, 2026, to accommodate weather constraints .

• Inclusion of Caste Data: This will be the first time in over nine decades that caste data will be collected at a national level, providing comprehensive insights into the socio-economic conditions of various caste groups .t

• Digital Census: The 2027 Census will be India’s first digital census, utilizing mobile applications and a dedicated census portal for data collection and management .

Significance of Including Caste Data

The decision to include caste enumeration is a response to longstanding demands from various political and social groups advocating for more accurate data to inform affirmative action policies and social welfare programs. Historically, India has only collected caste data for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) since 1951. The inclusion of comprehensive caste data aims to provide a clearer picture of the population’s composition, enabling more targeted and effective policy-making .

Digital Transformation of the Census

Embracing technological advancements, the 2027 Census will be conducted digitally, a first in India’s history. Enumerators will use mobile applications for data collection, and a centralized census portal will facilitate data management and monitoring. This digital approach is expected to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness of the census process .

Preparations and Implementation

The Ministry of Home Affairs has outlined a comprehensive plan for the census, which includes:

• Training of Enumerators: Approximately 33 lakh (3.3 million) personnel will be trained to conduct the census efficiently.

• Gazette Notification: An official notification under the Census Act, 1948, is expected to be published on June 16, 2025, marking the formal initiation of the census process .

• Phased Approach: The census will be carried out in two phases: the first focusing on house listing and housing census, and the second on population enumeration.

Implications for Policy and Governance

The inclusion of caste data is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for India’s socio-economic policies. Accurate caste data will enable the government to:

• Refine Reservation Policies: Assess and potentially recalibrate reservation quotas in education and employment to better reflect the current demographic realities.

• Target Welfare Schemes: Design and implement social welfare programs that more effectively reach marginalized and underrepresented communities.

• Inform Electoral Delimitation: Utilize updated demographic data to redraw electoral boundaries, ensuring fair and equitable representation.

Political Reactions and State-Level Initiatives

The announcement has elicited varied responses from political entities:

• Support from Opposition Parties: Leaders like Rahul Gandhi have welcomed the move, viewing it as a step towards social justice and equitable policy-making .

• State-Level Surveys: Prior to the national census, states like Bihar, Telangana, and Odisha have conducted their own caste-based surveys to inform state-specific policies .

The 2027 Census represents a pivotal moment in India’s demographic data collection, combining traditional enumeration with modern technology and a renewed focus on social equity. By including comprehensive caste data and embracing digital methodologies, the census aims to provide a more accurate and inclusive portrait of India’s diverse population, informing policies that promote social justice and economic development.