Legal Obligations under the Census Act 1948 and Plans for the First Digital Census
The Union government clarified in the Lok Sabha that under Section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948, respondents are legally bound to answer questions to the best of their knowledge. This includes questions regarding caste, as the upcoming Census 2027 will be the first in Independent India to enumerate caste. The next census will also be India's first digital census. The government is currently finalising the questionnaire. Additionally, the government addressed concerns regarding the overlap of the census timeline with school board exams, noting that primary school teachers are traditionally appointed as enumerators.
Key Points
- Section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948, makes it mandatory for citizens to provide information to census officers.
- Census 2027 will be the first digital census and the first to include a caste count since independence.
- The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner is responsible for the census process and finalising the questionnaire.
- The use of teachers as enumerators is a standard practice that will continue for the 2027 exercise despite exam schedule concerns.
Exam Facts
- Census Act, 1948 (specifically Section 8(2)) governs the legal obligation of respondents.
- The upcoming census is scheduled for 2027.
- This will be the first caste enumeration in Independent India.
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