Census in India

09 Jun 2025 GS 2 Governance
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Census in India

I. Prelims-Oriented Points (Factual & Objective)

1. Legal Framework & Authority

Census Act, 1948: Governs the Census in India.

Union List (Entry 69): Census is a Central subject.

Key Functionaries:

  • Registrar General and Census Commissioner appointed by the Centre.
  • Directors of Census Operations appointed at the State level.
  • Census staff mostly consists of school teachers appointed by local authorities.

2. History of Census in India

References found in:

  • Kautilya’s Arthashastra (ancient India)
  • Ain-i-Akbari during Akbar’s reign

First synchronous modern Census: 1881, conducted under W.C. Plowden

Held every 10 years since 1881 (uninterrupted till 2011)

Last Census: 2011

Caste enumeration last done fully: 1931

3. Phases of the Census

Phase 1: House Listing & Housing Census

  • Duration: 5–6 months
  • Data on housing type, water source, toilets, kitchen, fuel, electricity, assets (TV, computer, vehicle), etc.
  • 2011: 35 questions in the house listing schedule

Phase 2: Population Enumeration

  • Conducted in February of Census year
  • Reference date: March 1
  • Data collected: Name, sex, age, religion, SC/ST status, mother tongue, literacy, education, occupation, etc.

II. Mains-Oriented Points (Analytical & Policy-Relevant)

4. Delays in the 2021 Census

  • COVID-19 pandemic delayed the 2021 Census.
  • Despite conditions normalising post-2022, the Census has been repeatedly postponed.
  • New reference date announced: March 1, 2027

5. Why the 2027 Census is Significant

Caste Enumeration:

  • First time since 1931, the government will collect caste data of all Hindus (not just SC/ST).
  • Responds to demands from opposition parties and civil society.
  • Data expected to inform affirmative action and welfare policies.

Delimitation Exercise (Post-2026):

  • Freeze on delimitation (as per 42nd Amendment, 1976 and 84th Amendment, 2001) ends in 2026.
  • 2027 Census data may be used to reallocate Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats.
  • Risk: States with high population control (South, Northeast) may lose representation.

Women’s Reservation Implementation:

  • One-third reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will be implemented using 2027 Census data (as per 128th Constitution Amendment Act, 2023).
  • Targeted for: 2029 General Elections.

6. Apprehensions from States

  • Southern States, Northeastern States, and smaller North Indian States fear political marginalisation if seat allocation is strictly based on population.
  • These States advocate:
    • A freeze or alternative formula
    • Preservation of their political weight despite low population growth
    • Demand: Consensus-based approach before implementing delimitation.

7. Way Forward (Policy Recommendations)

  • Caste enumeration should be accurate, scientific, and transparent.
  • Delimitation must be consensus-driven and not rushed before the 2029 General Elections.
  • Implement women’s reservation as scheduled using 2027 data.
  • Respect federal balance and address demographic disparities in parliamentary representation.


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