Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, June 16(DD): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially announced that India’s next population census will be conducted in 2027, marking the first such exercise in 16 years.
As per the official notification, the census reference date for snow-bound and hard-to-reach areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand has been set as 00:00 hours on October 1, 2026. This early reference date ensures smooth data collection in regions where winter weather severely limits mobility.
For all other parts of the country, the census reference date will be 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027.
The nationwide enumeration, originally due in 2021, was postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This upcoming census is expected to feature enhanced digital tools and modern methodologies to ensure comprehensive and accurate population data.
Further guidelines on the enumeration schedule, training of field staff, and deployment of digital platforms are expected in the coming months(DD)
