Bengal's Census 2027 Notification Delay Sparks New Centre-Mamata Conflict
In a fresh escalation of tensions between the BJP-led Central government and the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led West Bengal administration, the state's failure to republish the Census 2027 notification in its official gazette has become the latest sticking point. This issue was prominently flagged by Central officials during the Conference of the Chief Secretaries, State Nodal Officers, and Directors of Census Operations on Census 2027, held in New Delhi on Friday.
Statutory Requirement Ignited by Bengal
Republication of the Census notification is a mandatory statutory requirement under Rule 8(i) of the Census Rules 1990, which mandates that state governments and Union Territory administrations must republish the Central government's intention to conduct a census in their respective official gazettes. The Union Home Ministry issued the initial notification on June 16 last year, and all other states and Union Territories have already complied with this requirement. However, West Bengal remains an exception, raising concerns about the state's preparedness for the upcoming population count.
The first phase of Census 2027, known as the Houselisting and Housing Census, is scheduled to commence on April 1 this year. This phase is crucial for laying the groundwork for the main census exercise, making timely republication essential for smooth operations. The delay by the Bengal government could potentially disrupt the census timeline and coordination efforts.
Broader Context of Ongoing Disputes
This latest issue adds to a series of conflicts that have strained relations between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee-led government in recent months. Key points of contention include:
- Release of Funds: Disputes over the disbursement of funds under Central schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
- SIR Exercise: Differences regarding the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SIR) and its implementation in the state.
- ED Raids: Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), which have been a source of political friction.
The conference, organized by the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, focused on preparations for Census 2027. Discussions highlighted not only the republication issue but also West Bengal's pending confirmation of the Centre's definition for identifying Urban Agglomerations (UAs). According to the Census of India, an urban agglomeration is defined as a continuous urban spread comprising a town and its adjoining outgrowths, or two or more physically contiguous towns with or without such outgrowths.
Legal and Constitutional Framework
The Census is a Union subject, explicitly listed at serial number 69 in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Census Act, 1948, empowers the Central government to undertake a census, with Section 3 stating that the government may declare its intention via notification in the Official Gazette. The June 16 notification specified that the reference date for Census 2027 will be 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, with exceptions for Ladakh and snow-bound areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where the reference date is set for October 1, 2026.
This legal backdrop underscores the importance of state compliance, as the census is a nationwide exercise requiring coordinated efforts between the Centre and states. The delay by West Bengal not only challenges this coordination but also reflects the deepening political rift, which could have implications for governance and administrative efficiency in the state.
As the deadline for the Houselisting and Housing Census approaches, all eyes are on whether the Bengal government will move to republish the notification and resolve this latest conflict, or if it will become another prolonged battle in the ongoing Centre-Mamata tussle.
