The last census in India was conducted in 2011. Since then, the 2021 census has been repeatedly postponed. However, a few months ago, the Modi government gave its approval to resume the census process. It was announced that this time, the regular population census will also include a caste-based survey. The census planned for 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now, fresh dates have been finalised. Let’s take a look at when it will begin and what kind of questions are likely to be asked.
How is the Census Conducted?
Government employees are appointed to carry out the census. These officials visit specific areas and collect detailed information from households. They are provided with official ID cards by the government, and if anyone is unsure about their identity, they have the right to ask for official identification.
The census takes place in two parts:
- Housing Census
- Population Census
During the Housing Census, officials ask questions related to the household such as electricity supply, drinking water availability, toilet facilities, and property-related information.
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What Questions Are Asked?
The second part involves the National Population Register (NPR) form. This form includes questions about the household members such as:
- Gender
- Mother’s name
- Date of birth
- Father’s name
- Marital status
- Temporary and permanent address
- Head of the family and relationship with the head
- Current marital status
- Age at the time of marriage
- Religion and caste/community
- Whether the person belongs to Scheduled Caste or Tribe
- Disability status
- Mother tongue and other languages known
- Literacy level
- Current educational status
- Highest qualification
- Employment in the past year
- Type of economic activity
- Nature of employment and industry
- Services and employment category
- Non-economic activities
- Employment preferences
- Mode of transport to work
In total, around 29 questions are typically asked during the process.
When Will the Census Begin?
This time, the census in India will be conducted in two phases:
- The first phase will begin on 1st October 2026, covering the hilly regions of the country.
- The second phase will start on 1st March 2027, covering the plains.
This census will include caste-based data collection, with a significant focus on the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category, which is expected to have a major impact.