News: In Census 2027, the category “beggars and vagrants, etc.” has been removed from the list of non-economic activities and placed under “others”, ending separate enumeration of this category.

Key Changes

• Begging data: Separate demographic/age/religion-wise data on beggars → not available in Census 2027.
• Reason: Severe under-reporting + social stigma.
  • 1991 → 5.4 lakh
  • 2001 → 6.3 lakh
  • 2011 → ~3.8 lakh
• Migration: Natural calamities added as a reason for migration.
• Parental details: Date/place of birth + religion of father and mother.
• Identity details: Aadhaar + Voter ID + Passport + mobile number → voluntary.
• Privacy: Enumerators must leave identity fields blank if respondents have concerns.

Census of India

• Legal basis: Census Act, 1948 + Census Rules, 1990.
• Nodal authority: ORGI under Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Constitutional basis: Entry 69, Union List, 7th Schedule.
• Census 2027: India’s first fully digital Census → mobile-based enumeration + self-enumeration.