Context
The government has notified the first phase of Census 2027, marking India’s first digital Census and the first to include caste enumeration since Independence.
Prelims-Relevant Data Point
• Seventh Schedule: Union List – Entry 69
• Phase 1: April 1 – Sept 30, 2026
• Phase 2 (Population Enumeration): February 2027
• Nature: First digital Census of India
• New Feature: Caste enumeration included
• Coverage: All States & Union Territories
• Self-enumeration: Allowed (15 days before HLO starts)
• Authority: Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India
• Workforce: ~30 lakh enumerators & officials
HLO (Houselisting Operations): First phase of Census that collects data on housing conditions and household assets, not population.
