Assam Gears Up for Upcoming Census in 2027

Preparations Underway for Assam's Census

Guwahati, June 22: The groundwork for the highly anticipated census operations set for March 2027 is already in motion, with projections indicating a significant rise in Assam's population.

The previous census took place in 2011, and the one planned for 2021 was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The government has confirmed that the nationwide census will commence in March 2027, with an estimated duration of two years to complete the entire process.

According to the 2011 census, Assam's population was approximately 3.12 crore. In 2015, around 3.29 crore individuals applied for inclusion in the National Register of Citizens (NRC), but about 10 lakh applications were rejected due to insufficient proof of citizenship.

Data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation suggests that Assam's projected population in 2024 is around 3.62 crore, which is expected to rise further by the time the census begins.

Official sources have indicated that preparations for the upcoming census are already underway. A meeting involving state census directors and senior officials is scheduled for July 4 and 5 in New Delhi to finalize the operational details of this extensive exercise.

While the exact manpower requirements for Assam's census operation have not yet been determined, it is acknowledged that a substantial workforce will be necessary for the door-to-door enumeration process. The initial phase will involve mapping out enumeration blocks based on population distribution, with adjustments made for varying terrains.

In urban areas, census officials can cover more households, whereas rural regions with challenging landscapes will require different approaches. Following the mapping, selected personnel will undergo training before the enumeration phase begins. This time, the census process is expected to be quicker, as enumerators will utilize an app to upload data in real-time.

Previously, data collection was done manually, which extended processing times. In areas with poor mobile connectivity, enumerators will be permitted to record data on paper and upload it later when they reach locations with better network access.

Notably, this census will include a caste enumeration for the first time, as previous censuses only accounted for religion without considering caste.