In-Depth: Population Census 2027 | 08 June, 2025

Summary

This video provides an in-depth look at India's upcoming 2027 population census, marking its first-ever digital iteration and the inclusion of caste enumeration. It explores the historical context of censuses in India, from ancient records to British-era surveys and post-independence censuses. The census will gather crucial demographic, social, and economic data, aiding policy-making and resource allocation. Emphasis is placed on the transparency of caste enumeration, aiming to strengthen the social fabric. The video also highlights the importance of accurate data for governance, historical continuity, and fair electoral representation. Additionally, the government is prioritizing public awareness and technological advancements to improve census accuracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2027 Census of India will be the first digital census and will include car enumeration, marking a significant change since the last census in 2011.
• 😀 The 2027 Census will be conducted in two phases: Phase 1 will focus on house listing, and Phase 2 will focus on population and caste enumeration.
• 😀 The Census Act of 1948 ensures that all data collected during the census is confidential and cannot be accessed by courts, with penalties for non-compliance.
• 😀 The Union Cabinet decided on 30th April 2025 to include caste enumeration as part of the 2027 Census, a step that aligns with the government’s commitment to society’s values.
• 😀 India has a long history of population censuses, with the first census conducted in 1871 and regular censuses taking place every 10 years since 1881.
• 😀 The 1921 Census is known as the 'great divide' due to a significant population decline during the flu pandemic, which cost millions of lives.
• 😀 The 2027 Census will also collect data on households headed by transgender individuals, a first for the country’s census exercises.
• 😀 The Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) conducted in 2011 for the first time since 1931 seeks to determine economic and caste-based inequalities and identify people in need of government welfare.
• 😀 Data collected through the Census is used for a variety of purposes including governance, policy-making, resource allocation, electoral representation, and socioeconomic analysis.
• 😀 The government aims to launch awareness campaigns and leverage technology to improve data collection and participation, including mobile applications, online portals, and self-enumeration options.

Q & A

What is the main significance of the 2027 census in India?

The 2027 census will be India's first digital census and will include the enumeration of cars, a feature never seen before in independent India. It will also be the first census to include caste enumeration as part of the data collection process.

Why was the 2021 census delayed?

The 2021 census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected preparations and the ability to carry out fieldwork across the country.

What are the two phases of the 2027 census?

The 2027 census will be conducted in two phases: Phase One will focus on house listing, and Phase Two will focus on population and enumeration.

What is the role of the Census Act 1948 in the census process?

The Census Act of 1948 lays down the legal framework for the conduct of the census in India, ensuring its confidentiality and imposing penalties for non-compliance or violation of provisions under the Act.

How has the caste enumeration been viewed politically in India?

Caste enumeration has been a contentious political issue in India. Some political parties have used it as a tool for political gain, while others argue that including caste enumeration transparently in the census will help strengthen India's social and economic structures.

What was the historical significance of the 1921 census in India?

The 1921 census is considered the 'year of great divide' in India's demographic history as it marked the first significant population decline, mainly due to the flu pandemic of 1918, which resulted in the loss of millions of lives.

How does the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) differ from the population census?

The population census provides a portrait of the entire population of India, whereas the SECC focuses on identifying economic deprivation and caste-based inequalities. The data from the population census is confidential, while SECC data is used to identify beneficiaries for various government schemes.

Why is the census data so important for policy-making in India?

Census data is critical for evidence-based policy-making. It provides accurate and comprehensive information about demographic, economic, and social factors, helping the government allocate resources, plan for infrastructure, and implement welfare programs effectively.

What are the technological advancements incorporated in the 2027 census?

The 2027 census will make use of digital tools for data collection, including mobile applications, online portals, and self-enumeration options, to improve data accuracy, reduce errors, and streamline the overall process.

How does the census contribute to India's national identity and cultural diversity?

The census helps document India's population characteristics, including its cultural diversity, social fabric, and linguistic patterns. It plays a vital role in maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the nation's identity and its changing demographic landscape.