Given that timely and precise data is fundamental to policy formulation, the ongoing lack of Census data has only obstructed policymaking within the nation
OdishaPlus Bureau
In recent times, the Centre has taken significant steps to rectify the gaps in data availability throughout the country. For instance, it has executed two rounds of household consumption expenditure surveys for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24. These surveys are instrumental in gathering detailed information about household spending habits, which in turn aids in the analysis of poverty and inequality in the country.
Additionally, the government has disclosed that the new sample design for labour force surveys will facilitate the monthly estimation of vital labour market indicators, thereby bolstering effective policy formulation.
The Centre has recently rolled out several measures to tackle the shortcomings in data availability within the nation. A key initiative includes the completion of two rounds of household consumption expenditure surveys for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24, which provide in-depth data on household spending behaviors and help assess levels of poverty and inequality in the country. Moreover, the government has announced that the updated sample design for labour force surveys will allow for the monthly production of essential labour market indicators, thus aiding in more effective policymaking.
On Wednesday, the government made a noteworthy announcement regarding the schedule for the long-awaited Census, marking a significant development. The Census 2021 had been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has not been conducted since then. As a result, the most recent Census data available dates back to March 2011, which provided population estimates for India. This new schedule is a positive step forward in addressing the data gaps that have persisted since the last Census.
Given that timely and precise data is fundamental to policy formulation, the ongoing lack of Census data has only obstructed policymaking within the nation.
The Census 2027 is set to be carried out in two stages. According to a report in this publication, the household listing phase is expected to commence around March-April 2026, while the enumeration process will occur over a span of 21 days in February 2027.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, “the reference date for the population Census-2027 will be 00:00 hours on the first day of March, 2027.” For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-affected regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 00:00 hours on the first day of October, 2026. Additionally, the exercise will also encompass the enumeration of castes.
This will be the first time since 1931 that the Census will gather extensive data on caste, going beyond just the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. However, the announcement about the Census has also raised questions regarding the possibility of delimitation — the process of redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and state assembly constituencies — as well as the implementation of a 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament.
This marks the first instance since 1931 that the Census will compile comprehensive data on caste, extending its focus beyond merely Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The announcement has also triggered discussions about the possibility of delimitation — the restructuring of Lok Sabha and state assembly constituencies — and the implementation of a 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament.
In addition to providing population estimates, the Census collects a wide range of socio-economic data related to households. This information is vital for understanding the changes taking place in the country over time. Moreover, Census data is used in various surveys and by both government agencies and private organizations to inform policy and strategy development. As a result, it plays a critical role in shaping policy decisions in India.
