New Delhi: After an unprecedented delay, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has officially released the notification for India's next decennial census, signaling the commencement of the world's largest enumeration exercise. This monumental undertaking, which was originally slated for 2021 but postponed due to various factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to unfold in two distinct phases, with the entire process projected to take three years to complete.
The first crucial phase, focusing on House Listing and Housing Census, is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and extend through September 2025. During this period, enumerators will meticulously collect comprehensive data on all buildings, houses, and household amenities across the nation. This foundational data collection is vital for understanding living conditions and infrastructural development.
Following this, the much-anticipated Population Enumeration phase will be conducted from February 9 to February 28, 2026. This is where the demographic heart of the census lies, capturing detailed information about every individual residing in India. A revisional round will then take place from March 1 to March 5, 2026, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the collected data.
A significant shift in methodology marks this census. Moving away from traditional paper-based methods, the upcoming enumeration will largely embrace digital technology, with data collection facilitated through mobile applications. This move is expected to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reduce the time taken for data processing, though it also necessitates robust digital infrastructure and training.
The release of this notification ends years of anticipation and political debate surrounding the delay of the census. As a critical repository of information on population demographics, socio-economic indicators, and cultural trends, the data gathered from this exercise is indispensable for effective policy formulation, targeted development schemes, and equitable resource allocation by the government at all levels. Its completion, though spanning a considerable timeframe, is seen as a vital step towards evidence-based governance in India.