05-Jun-2025

Population Census

Geography

Why in News? 


The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the Population Census 2027, along with caste enumeration, will be conducted in two phases, with reference dates set for March 1, 2027, and October 1, 2026, for snow-bound regions. 

What is Census in India? 

The Population Census is a decadal exercise that provides key statistics on demography, economy, culture, and human resources at national, regional, and local levels. 

  • First conducted in 1872 (non-synchronous); first full census in 1881 under W.C. Plowden. The Governor General at time was Lord Mayo. 
  • Conducted every 10 years by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

 Legal/Constitutional Basis of Census 

  • Census is listed under Union List – Entry 69, Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. 
  • It is governed by the Census Act, 1948. 

 

Type of Census 

Time Period / Year 

Key Details 

Non-Synchronous Census 

1865–1872 

- Conducted across different regions at different times. 
- Considered India’s first population census, completed in 1872. 
- Took place during the tenure of British Viceroy Lord Mayo. 

Synchronous Census 

1881 

- First nationwide synchronous census. 
- Conducted under W.C. Plowden, Census Commissioner of India. 
- Covered entire British India, excluding Kashmir. 
- Included demographic, economic, and social classification. 

 

Caste Based Census 

  • The next national Census will begin on March 1, 2027, and will for the first time include caste enumeration, as approved by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister. 
  • The Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases across the country. 
  • In snow-bound regions like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the Census will start earlier from October 2026. 
  • The 2021 Census was postponed due to COVID-19, making this the first decadal census in 16 years.  

                Preparation Through MCQ 

 Q. Under which ministry is the Census of India conducted?

(1) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation 
 (2) Ministry of Rural Development 
 (3) Ministry of Home Affairs 
 (4) Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs 

Answer: (3) Ministry of Home Affairs