Latest news with #Census2027
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Census directorate gears up for pre-test
CHENNAI: As the country's largest enumeration exercise, the Census 2027, is expected to commence with the gazette notification issued on June 16 after a delay of five years, the Directorate of Census Operations (DCO) in Tamil Nadu has swung into action, making arrangements for a pre-test. The DCO is expected to engage 1.5 lakh enumerators to carry out the enumeration in TN. In an interaction with TNIE, M Sundaresh Babu, Director of Census Operations (and Director of Citizen Registration) for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, said the state government has been asked to freeze any changes to administrative boundaries by December 31. Stating that further details are awaited from the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, regarding enumeration of castes, which the country will be doing for the first time since Independence as part of Census 2027, Babu emphasised that the state government would also be consulted in the process. The pre-test process, which serves as a trial for testing and refining all aspects of the Census operations, is expected to commence in September or latest by October; it will be carried out in select places in rural, urban, and remote areas. Highlighting that the upcoming Census will be the country's first digital Census, he said the pre-test, a crucial process before every Census, will focus on various practical issues that may crop up including those faced in remote areas with less connectivity to check whether mobile devices work properly.
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Demography and democracy — moving forward with better health outcomes
On July 11, 1987, the world population reached five billion, prompting the UN to establish World Population Day in 1989. The day highlights crucial issues such as family planning, gender equality, maternal and child health, and human rights. Now, with over eight billion globally, progress is visible, but challenges remain. India, the most populous nation, has advanced in healthcare and innovation, yet regional disparities persist. Tertiary care thrives in urban centres, but rural and marginalised communities still face major gaps in access, infrastructure, and preventive care. World Population Day reminds us that population growth is not just a number. It demands action. Health systems must be inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in both technology and community. In this context, Census 2027 is vital, as it is not just a count but a tool for evidence-based policymaking that guides equitable healthcare and development. Once-in-a-decade health mapping opportunity The Census must be viewed as a health-mapping opportunity. It can reassess healthcare access, disease burden, ageing trends, and infrastructure gaps. India's major public health gains have often relied on Census-based data. In 1994, India had 60% of global polio cases. The National Immunisation Programme reduced cases by 94% between 2009 and 2010, leading to the WHO declaring India 'polio-free' in 2014. Similarly, the National Leprosy Eradication Programme used census-linked prevalence maps to target districts, reducing prevalence from 0.69 (2014-15) to 0.57 (2024-25). The TB control programme used demographic data to guide diagnostics and medicine distribution, achieving a 17.7% drop in incidence and a 21.4% fall in TB deaths between 2015 and 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the value of real-time, granular data — India conducted over 930 million tests and administered 2.2 billion vaccine doses by March 2023. Today, rising NCDs, mental illness, and emerging infections demand a data-driven, future-ready health strategy. Census insights for healthcare outcomes By offering insights into population distribution, age demographics, occupational patterns, income levels, and broader socio-economic indicators, census allows policymakers to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. In the decade ahead, census intelligence will be essential for designing nuanced healthcare strategies that respond to both immediate needs and long-term behavioural shifts. Facilitating large-scale health screenings With accurate population mapping, governments can identify underserved areas and organise mass health screening programmes. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can play a pivotal role — private labs and NGOs can support mobile diagnostic vans, while local industries can fund periodic camps through CSR initiatives. Schools and workplaces can be targeted for age-specific screenings, and digital registries based on census clusters can ensure timely follow-up and preventive care. Community awareness for healthier lifestyles Census data helps pinpoint clusters with high malnutrition, anaemia, or poor child growth, enabling targeted, community-led responses. In rural areas, panchayats and self-help groups can promote kitchen gardens, grow iron- and protein-rich crops such as pulses and millets, and improve food distribution under schemes such as PDS and ICDS. They can also monitor midday meals and anganwadi services for better outreach. In urban low-income and migrant communities, census insights uncover food insecurity and poor diets. Resident welfare associations, NGOs, and community kitchens can drive awareness around balanced nutrition, food safety, and reducing processed food intake. Using local influencers such as teachers and elder women for health promotion, often proves more effective than top-down campaigns. Strengthening primary health infrastructure Primary healthcare is the backbone of equitable health delivery. India has over 30,000 primary health centres (PHCs), yet many regions — especially in the north and central belt — remain underserved. Census data can help identify these gaps and guide the expansion or upgrade of PHCs into Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat, offering services such as chronic disease care and mental health support. States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala have demonstrated effective, data-driven PHC deployment. Trust in neighbourhood general practitioners (GPs) is also key, particularly in urban areas, where census-linked registries can help integrate them into public health systems. Planning for an ageing population India's senior citizen population, 149 million in 2022, is projected to reach 227 million by 2036, nearly 15% of the population. This shift calls for a major rethink in healthcare delivery. Census data can identify elderly-dense areas, enabling targeted measures such as mobile geriatric units, chronic illness screening, and improved access to medicines. Telemedicine and home-based care can bridge gaps in rural and semi-urban regions. States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh with high senior population can lead with elder-care innovations. Integrating census insights with pensions, insurance, and nutrition schemes ensures more dignified, inclusive care for India's ageing population. Policy planner for 2026 and beyond India spends only ~3.6% of its GDP on health — far below the 8–11% typical of developed nations, limiting productivity and well-being. Census 2027 must go beyond headcount to capture actionable health data: age, disability, sanitation, healthcare access, and household risk factors. In rural and underserved areas, such data can reveal hidden health burdens. A digitally enabled Census, linked with health registries and local surveys, can map both where people live and what care they need. Let the Census reflect not only how many we are, but how we live. Let it guide a health-first development model that adapts to new realities, rewards long-term effort, and lays the foundation for shared, inclusive prosperity. (Dr. Suneeta Reddy is the managing director of Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd.; views are personal)
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz: Polity and Governance MCQs on Census 2027, Model Prison Manual and more (Week 118)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of daily subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Polity and Governance to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Census 2027, consider the following statements: 1. Data will be collected using mobile apps available only in Hindi and is not available in English and regional languages. 2. It will be the first digital census in the country. 3. This census will also include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931. 4. The 16th Census of India will take place in a single phase. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — During Census 2027, data would be collected using mobile apps available in English, Hindi, and different regional languages, with residents having the option of 'self-enumeration' via a dedicated web page, according to the Centre. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — 'Census 2027 will be the country's first digital census, with data collected via Android and iOS mobile apps in English, Hindi, and regional languages. Enumerators/Supervisors will collect data on their own mobile devices,' the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on X. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The government announced last month that the 16th Census of India will take place in two phases, with reference dates set for March 1, 2027 for most of the country and October 1, 2026 for snow-bound and remote regions such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This census will also feature the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931. Hence, statement 3 is correct and statement 4 is not correct. — 'The census will be undertaken in two phases: phase one, Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), will begin in April 2026, and phase two, Population Enumeration (PE), will be conducted. Enumeration of Caste: 'The caste of household members will be enumerated in the upcoming census,' the post stated. Both phases, HLO and PE, will allow for self-enumeration via a web interface. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the Model Prison Manual, consider the following statements: 1. It is issued by the various state governments. 2. According to the manual, an average man requires 2,000 to 2,400 calories a day, while a person engaged in heavy labour requires a minimum of 2,800 calories. 3. The manual prohibits the management of the kitchen and the cooking of food based on caste or religion in prisons. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Model Prison Manual issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs states that an average man requires 2,000 to 2,400 calories a day, while a person engaged in heavy labour requires a minimum of 2,800 calories. A woman, on the other hand, requires around 2,400 calories per day. The manual further specifies the nutrients required, including protein and vitamins. Since prisons are a state subject, the model manual states that the scale of the diet may be drawn based on the climatic conditions, as well as the needs and habits of prisoners in each state. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct. — 'Prisoners who observe religious fasts may receive extra articles of food, or may have the whole or a part of their meal at a place and time of the day, as may be allowed by orders of the government for proper observance of fasts from them,' the model manual says. The manual also prohibits the management of the kitchen and the cooking of food based on caste or religion in prisons. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. The government's powers to intercept communication are laid down in — and circumscribed by — 1. The Indian Post Office Act, 1898 2. The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 3. The Information Technology Act, 2000 Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — The government's powers to intercept communication is laid down in — and circumscribed by — three pieces of legislation. — The Indian Post Office Act, 1898 allows for the interception of communication through post; — The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 is used for tapping voice calls; and — The Information Technology Act, 2000 governs the interception of WhatsApp messages, emails, etc. — The right to free expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights, and any infringement on these rights by surveillance is only authorised under strict constitutional conditions. — These grounds—the interest of India's sovereignty and integrity; the security of the state; cordial relations with foreign governments; public order; or preventing inducement to commit an offence—are specified as 'reasonable restrictions' under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the term of office of Governor, consider the following statements: 1. The Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President. 2. A Governor shall hold office for a term of six years from the date on which he enters upon his office. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — The Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The Governor may resign his post in writing, sent to the President. — Subject to the above provisions of this article, a Governor shall serve for a period of five years beginning on the date he takes office. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — Provided that, despite the expiration of his term, a Governor shall continue to maintain office until his successor takes office. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (Source: Constitution of India) Which of the following articles of the Constitution of India provides for the separation of judiciary from executive? (a) Article 48 (b) Article 49 (c) Article 50 (d) Article 51 Explanation — Article 50 of the Constitution of India provides for the separation of judiciary from executive. — The State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (Source: Constitution of India) Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 117) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. 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New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Census 2027 data to be available early, citizens will be able to self-enumerate, says RGI
NEW DELHI: The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) on Monday said that data from Census 2027 will be available earlier than in previous exercises, as the operation will be conducted digitally for the first time in the country. A post on X from the office of the RGI & Census Commissioner said the first digital census will be conducted in two phases. 'For the first time, technology will be used to collect data and send it electronically to the central server,' it said. A special dedicated web portal will be launched to enable self-enumeration, which will be available for both phases of the national enumeration exercise. 'Data will be collected using mobile apps (both Android and iOS) in English, Hindi and regional languages. Enumerators and supervisors will use their own mobile devices for data collection,' the RGI said. During Census 2011, it took two to three years for primary data to be released. Officials expect the use of technology to reduce this lag significantly. All states have been directed to appoint nodal officers for Population Census 2027. 'The first phase — Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) — will start from April 2026. Subsequently, Phase 2, i.e. Population Enumeration (PE), will be conducted in February 2027,' the RGI said, adding that 'caste of household members will be enumerated.' 'The Census will have focused and need-based training in each phase. There will be a three-tier training structure: national trainer, master trainer and field trainer. Field trainers will impart training to approximately 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors,' it said. The forthcoming census will also feature a focused publicity campaign to promote nationwide awareness, inclusive participation, last-mile engagement, and support for field operations. 'It'll emphasise on sharing accurate, authentic and timely information, ensuring cohesive and effective outreach.' According to the constitutional mandate, the first census after 2026 can be used as the basis to redraw Lok Sabha constituencies. The next General Election is expected to be held in 2029. The RGI notified the census process in the Gazette of India on 16 June. 'Gazette Notification for intent of #Census2027 has been issued on 16th June 2025. All states and UTs have been requested to republish the notification in their state gazette and appoint a nodal officer for Census,' the RGI said. 'For #Census2027, administrative boundaries across India will be frozen on 1 January 2026. States and UTs have been requested not to make changes in administrative boundaries between 1 January 2026 and 31 March 2027.' Stringent measures will be in place to ensure data security during collection, transmission, and storage. The reference date for Census 2027 will be 00:00 hours on 1 March 2027, and 00:00 hours on 1 October 2026 for Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, and snowbound non-synchronous areas of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It will be the 16th Census since the exercise began in India and the 8th after Independence. The RGI has instructed states and Union Territories to finalise any proposed changes to administrative boundaries by 31 December 2025, after which they will be frozen for the census operation. In a letter to all states and UTs, RGI Mritunjay Kumar Narayan said all villages and towns are to be divided into uniform enumeration blocks, with one enumerator assigned per block to avoid omissions or duplication. According to norms, the census can only be conducted three months after the freezing of boundary limits of administrative units such as districts, sub-districts, tehsils, talukas and police stations. Narayan added that from 1 April 2026, the Houselisting Operation will commence along with the appointment of supervisors and enumerators and allocation of their work. The Population Enumeration will begin on 1 February 2027.
Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Census 2027: Data will be collected in English, Hindi and regional languages, citizens can self-enumerate through web portal
Data will be collected using mobile apps available in English, Hindi, and various regional languages during Census 2027, and citizens will have an option for 'self-enumeration' through a dedicated web portal, the Centre announced Monday. 'Census 2027 will be the first digital census in the country and data will be collected using mobile apps – both android and iOS – in English, Hindi and regional languages. Enumerators/Supervisors will use their own mobile device for data collection,' the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) posted on X. #Census2027 will be the 1st Digital Census in the country. Data will be collected using Mobile Apps (both Android & iOS) in English, Hindi and regional languages. Enumerators/Supervisors will use their own mobile device for data collection. (6/10) — Census India 2027 (@CensusIndia2027) July 7, 2025 Last month, the government formally announced that the 16th Census of India will take place in two phases, with the reference dates set as March 1, 2027, for most of the country, and October 1, 2026, for snow-bound and remote regions such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This census will also include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931. 'Census will be conducted in two phases, phase first; Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) will start from April 2026 and phase two; Population Enumeration (PE) will be conducted. Enumeration of Caste: Caste of household members will be enumerated in ensuing Census,' the post said. The option of self-enumeration through a web portal will be available for both phases: HLO and PE. 'Digital Census initiative is a transformational step towards modernising the Census process. For the first time, technology will be used to collect data and send it electronically to the central server. This will result in early availability of Census data,' the Registrar General said on X. The Registrar General has established a three-tier training structure: national trainer, master trainer, and field trainer, to provide focused and need-based training for each phase of Census 2027. Field trainers will impart training to around 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, the post added. 'Census 2027 will have a focused publicity campaign for nationwide awareness, inclusive participation, last-mile engagement and support for field operations. It will emphasize on sharing accurate, authentic and timely information ensuring cohesive and effective outreach effort,' it said. For Census 2027, administrative boundaries across India will be frozen on January 1, 2026. States and Union Territories have been requested not to make changes to administrative boundaries between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. In a letter to all states and Union Territories, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Mritunjay Kumar Narayan told them to make any proposed changes to the boundaries of administrative units before December 31, 2025, when they will be considered final for the census exercise. He said all villages and towns are divided into uniform enumeration blocks, and for each block, an enumerator is assigned to avoid any miss or repetition during the population count.
