The Indian government has issued a notification for the 16th census of India, scheduled for 2027, which will include caste enumeration. This census will be conducted in two phases, with stringent data security measures in place.

The census will have a reference date of October 1, 2026, for snow-bound areas like Ladakh, and March 1, 2027, for the rest of the country. The notification specified the reference dates for different regions to ensure a smooth and accurate data collection process.

About 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, along with 1.3 lakh census functionaries equipped with digital devices, will be involved in this massive exercise to gather population-related data from all parts of the country.

Additionally, the census will include caste enumeration, providing valuable insights into the demographic composition of India. People will also have the option of self-enumeration to participate in the data collection process.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently oversaw the preparations for the census, emphasizing the importance of this national exercise. The census will be conducted in two phases: House Listing Operation (HLO) and Population Enumeration (PE), covering housing conditions, assets, amenities, and detailed information about individuals.

This upcoming census marks the 16th such exercise in India's history and the eighth since Independence, highlighting its significance in capturing the country's evolving demographics. Stringent data security measures will be implemented to safeguard the collected data during its collection, transmission, and storage.

Source: The Hindu