16th Census of India
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: The Government of India has announced that the 16th Census will conclude by March 2027, marking the first digital and caste-based census in Independent India.
About 16th Census of India:
• What is Census in India?
• A Census is the official enumeration of population, providing vital statistics on demography, economy, and socio-cultural aspects at every administrative level. Conducted every 10 years under the supervision of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• A Census is the official enumeration of population, providing vital statistics on demography, economy, and socio-cultural aspects at every administrative level.
• Conducted every 10 years under the supervision of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Legal and Constitutional Backing:
• Backed by Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990. Falls under Union List Entry 69, Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
• Backed by Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990.
• Falls under Union List Entry 69, Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
• History of Census in India:
• First non-synchronous Census: 1872 First complete synchronous Census: 1881 by W.C. Plowden Last Census conducted in 2011 and 2021 delayed due to COVID-19 Upcoming Census will be the 16th in series and 8th since Independence
• First non-synchronous Census: 1872
• First complete synchronous Census: 1881 by W.C. Plowden
• Last Census conducted in 2011 and 2021 delayed due to COVID-19
• Upcoming Census will be the 16th in series and 8th since Independence
• Features of the Upcoming Census (2026–27):
• First Digital Census: Data collection will be done through a mobile application replacing paper schedules. Caste Enumeration Included: For the first time since Independence, caste data will be collected alongside SC/ST data. Self-Enumeration Option: Households with updated National Population Registry details may use an online portal for self-enumeration. Two-Phase Enumeration: Phase 1: House-listing and housing schedule Phase 2: Population enumeration (includes caste data) Reference Dates: Oct 1, 2026: Snow-bound areas (e.g., J&K, Ladakh, Himachal) March 1, 2027: Rest of India Administrative Training: Over 30 lakh enumerators will be trained for digital enumeration. Delimitation Impact: This Census will guide delimitation of Lok Sabha/Assembly seats post-2026, replacing the 1971 Census base.
• First Digital Census: Data collection will be done through a mobile application replacing paper schedules.
• Caste Enumeration Included: For the first time since Independence, caste data will be collected alongside SC/ST data.
• Self-Enumeration Option: Households with updated National Population Registry details may use an online portal for self-enumeration.
• Two-Phase Enumeration: Phase 1: House-listing and housing schedule Phase 2: Population enumeration (includes caste data)
• Phase 1: House-listing and housing schedule
• Phase 2: Population enumeration (includes caste data)
• Reference Dates: Oct 1, 2026: Snow-bound areas (e.g., J&K, Ladakh, Himachal) March 1, 2027: Rest of India
• Oct 1, 2026: Snow-bound areas (e.g., J&K, Ladakh, Himachal)
• March 1, 2027: Rest of India
• Administrative Training: Over 30 lakh enumerators will be trained for digital enumeration.
• Delimitation Impact: This Census will guide delimitation of Lok Sabha/Assembly seats post-2026, replacing the 1971 Census base.