Context:

India will conduct its long-awaited next population census by March 1, 2027, marking the first census in 16 years. This will also be India’s first-ever digital census, and the first post-Independence census to include caste-based enumeration, as confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Key Highlights of Census 2027

• Digital Census: India’s first fully digital data collection process using mobile apps and online platforms.
• Caste Enumeration: For the first time since 1947, the census will officially collect data on caste.
• Census Timeline:
  • Begins: April 1, 2026
  • Ends: February 28, 2027
• Phases:
  1. House Listing and Housing Schedule
  2. Population Enumeration (includes caste data)
• Reference Dates:
  • March 1, 2027: Pan-India (default)
  • October 1, 2026: For Ladakh, and snow-bound areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand

Legal Framework

• Governing Law: Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990
• Gazette Notification: To be issued under Section 3 of the Census Act to officially launch the process

Political and Electoral Implications

Delimitation After 2026

• As per Articles 81 and 82 of the Constitution, a census after 2026 enables fresh delimitation of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies.
• Delimitation will be based on population data from the 2027 Census and may take effect before the 2029 General Elections.

Impact on Women’s Reservation

• The 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, under the Women’s Reservation Act, will only be implemented after the next delimitation, which follows the 2027 Census.

Delimitation Process and Structure

• Post-Census Action:
  • Parliament must pass a new Delimitation Act.
  • This will enable formation of a Delimitation Commission.
• Composition of Delimitation Commission:
  • Headed by a retired Supreme Court judge
  • Includes:
    • Chief Election Commissioner
    • State Election Commissioners
    • MPs and MLAs from respective states (associate members, non-voting)
• Consultative Process:
  • The Commission will work with states to allocate seats based on population-per-constituency ratio.

Historical Context

• Past Delimitations: Conducted after the 1951, 1961, and 1971 censuses.
• Seat Freeze:
  • 42nd Amendment (1976): Froze seat distribution until after 2001 Census.
  • 84th Amendment (2002): Extended freeze until after the first census post-2026.
• Current Basis: Lok Sabha seat distribution is still based on 1971 Census data.

Challenges and Controversies

• Regional Disparities:
  • Southern states may lose relative representation in a population-based seat reallocation due to successful population control.
  • Without increasing the current cap of 550 seats (Article 81), states with lower population growth may face reduced proportional influence.
• Constitutional Amendment Needed:
  • To increase the number of Lok Sabha seats, a constitutional amendment (with a two-thirds majority in Parliament) will be necessary.

Status of NPR and NRC

• No Update on NPR:
  • The recent announcement made no mention of the National Population Register (NPR).
  • As per Citizenship Rules, 2003, the NPR is the first step toward creating a National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC/NRC).

Conclusion

• India’s 2027 Census will be a historic exercise, integrating digital data collection, caste enumeration, and paving the way for a long-pending delimitation of electoral constituencies. While it promises more accurate demographic insights and governance planning, it also raises complex political, legal, and regional challenges—especially regarding seat redistribution and women’s reservation. A balanced and inclusive implementation will be key to ensuring democratic equity in the coming decade.