In an important Breaking News update, the Indian government has announced that the next national census will begin on March 1, 2027. This major population survey, which collects critical details about every person in the country, will include a special addition this time — caste and sub-caste data. This new step could have a big impact on government planning and policy decisions in the future.
This Daily news highlight comes from government sources who shared the update with NDTV on Wednesday.
1. Census Timeline and Special Early Start
The Census 2027 will be carried out in two phases. While it is officially set to start in March 2027, the counting will begin earlier in some regions.
- October 2026 Start: In areas with heavy snow during winter — like Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand — the census process will start five months earlier, in October 2026.
- This early start is planned to ensure that the census teams can visit people in these regions before snowfall blocks access.
2. Caste and Sub-Caste Details Included
For the first time in decades, the 2027 census will include questions about caste and sub-castes. This move is expected to bring more clarity to India’s social and economic structure.
- This will be a major update from previous censuses, which only recorded Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), but not the full list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) or general castes.
- Collecting caste-based data could help the government design better welfare programs, especially for backward and disadvantaged communities.
- It may also influence decisions related to education, jobs, and social justice schemes.
3. Why This Census Matters
The census is very important for India’s future. It helps the government know how many people live in the country and understand their needs.
- It gives detailed data on things like education, work, age, gender, language, religion, and now, caste.
- The last census was supposed to take place in 2021, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Because of the delay, it’s been over 13 years since India last conducted a full population count in 2011.
4. How the Census Is Done
The census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- It involves thousands of trained workers going door-to-door to collect information from every household.
- This data is then used for government planning, allocation of funds, building of schools, roads, hospitals, and even deciding how many MPs and MLAs are needed in different areas.
Concerns and Expectations
Some experts and political leaders believe the addition of caste data is necessary to ensure fair representation. Others, however, warn that it could create division if not handled carefully.
Still, many social activists have supported this change, saying it will help bring equality and transparency in the distribution of resources and opportunities.
As the country waits for the next big count, this Daily news highlight shows how Census 2027 could shape the future of Indian society. With its new questions and advanced planning, it is expected to provide a clearer picture of India’s diversity and help the government make smarter decisions.
