Caste Census 2027: The central government has announced the dates of Census 2027, and this time a historic change is going to happen. Yes, for the first time in the history of India, caste data will also be included in the census. This step will prove to be a milestone in presenting a more accurate picture of the social and economic condition of the country. This time the census (Caste Census 2027) will be completed in two phases, starting from March 1, 2027. However, the census will start a little earlier in states with certain special conditions.
Keeping in mind the weather-related problems and inaccessible areas, the census will start in October 2026 in four states Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand. This will ensure that the work of data collection can be completed smoothly in these areas.
According to sources, a circular may be issued by the government on June 16, 2025, under the Census Act 1948, after which the formal start of this entire process will be made. This will include the appointment of staff, training, census format, and other preparations. The first phase of the census will be completed by February 1, 2027, while the second and final phase is likely to be completed by the end of 2027. Population and Social Data will be recorded by midnight of March 1, 2027, after which it will be made public.
What will change in this census
Many major changes will be seen in Census 2027, which will also include modernity. It will not be limited to just population counting, but will be a comprehensive socio-economic survey:
Inclusion of caste data: This is the biggest change. This time citizens will also be asked about their caste. This will help the government to know how many people of which caste live in the country, which will help in making targeted policies and schemes. Let us tell you that Bihar is the first state in the country to have already conducted a caste census.
First Digital Census: This will be India’s first digital census, which was already announced by the government. A mobile app has been developed for data collection, which will allow census enumerators to easily collect information.
Centralized Management Portal: A census portal will be used for management, monitoring, and other related activities of these data. This will make the data more secure, accurate, and accessible.
Use of modern technology: Data collection in a digital way will not only increase accuracy but will also reduce the time taken in the process. This will make it possible to release the census results faster.
Previous Census and Historical Perspective
The first census in India was conducted in 1881 during the British era. After independence, the first census was conducted in February 1951. Since then, the census has been conducted every 10 years, providing important data for the development and planning of the country. The last census was conducted in 2011. The census scheduled to be held in 2021 was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, the census is going to be conducted in 2027, for which more than 33 lakh personnel will be trained.