Context:

The Government of India has formally notified the schedule for the first phase of the Census of India 2027, marking a major step in preparing updated demographic and socio‑economic data after the 2011 Census. The first phase — the Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) — will be conducted between April 1 and September 30, 2026, across all States and Union Territories.

Focus of the First Phase:

Phase I — the Houselisting and Housing Census — focuses on collecting information on:

• • Housing conditions and structural characteristics of dwellings.
  • Ownership of assets and basic amenities such as drinking water, lighting, sanitation, cooking fuel, and electricity.
  • Household composition, floor and roof materials, access to services, and related indicators.

This phase does not enumerate individuals; it prepares a robust sampling and operational frame for the second phase.

Digital Transformation:

Census 2027 will be India’s first predominantly digital census. Data collection will be facilitated through mobile applications and supported by a central monitoring and management system to improve data quality, timeliness, and transparency. The move to digital tools is expected to reduce errors, enhance supervision, and enable real‑time monitoring of field activities.

Significance:

• • Updated Data Ecosystem: After delays caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Census will provide a much‑needed updated headcount, household data, and socio‑economic indicators for policy planning across sectors.
  • Evidenced Policymaking: House listing data helps refine sampling frames for detailed population enumeration and informs decisions on housing, utilities, health, education, and infrastructure.
  • Foundation for Social Indicators: Accurate house listing sets the stage for comprehensive population coverage, including detailed demography, caste enumeration, literacy, migration, and economic activity in the second phase.

Census in India:

The Census in India is a decennial (every 10 years) enumeration of the population, mandated by the Census Act, 1948. It is conducted by the Registrar General & Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Being a Union subject under the Constitution, the Census provides comprehensive socio-economic data critical for governance, planning, and policy formulation.

Constitutional & Legal Basis:

·         Article 246 (7th Schedule, Entry 69): Census is a Union subject.

·         Census Act, 1948 & Rules, 1990: Provides the legal framework, ensures confidentiality, and penalizes non-compliance.

History:

·         First non-synchronous census: 1872.

·         First synchronous (decennial) census: 1881.

·         Post-Independence: Conducted in 1951, 1961… up to 2011.

Conclusion:

The first phase of Census 2027, scheduled from April 1 to September 30, 2026, marks the beginning of India’s largest administrative and statistical exercise with a digital thrust and self‑enumeration option. The success of this phase will lay the foundation for the subsequent population enumeration and provide updated data critical for governance, development planning, and socio‑economic reforms.