Bihar Sets 45-Day Timeline for Comprehensive Census 2027 Operations
In a significant announcement, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha revealed on Saturday that the eagerly anticipated Census 2027 will be conducted across Bihar in two distinct phases spanning a total of 45 days. This extensive exercise will incorporate crucial data on caste alongside traditional population metrics, marking a pivotal development in demographic documentation.
Detailed Two-Phase Census Schedule Unveiled
The census process will commence with a self-enumeration phase scheduled from April 17 to May 1, 2027. During this initial period, residents will have the opportunity to voluntarily provide their information through designated channels. This will be immediately followed by a comprehensive house-to-house survey and detailed house listing operation running from May 2 to May 31, ensuring thorough coverage of every household in the state.
Minister Sinha emphasized the absolute confidentiality of the entire census process, strictly adhering to the provisions of the Census Act of 1948. He assured citizens that all collected data will be protected under this longstanding legislation, which mandates privacy and security for individual information gathered during national census operations.
Caste Data Integration and Operational Structure
The 2027 Census represents a landmark initiative as it will systematically include caste-based data collection in addition to standard demographic parameters. This move aligns with the Centre's recent parliamentary communication, which outlined that the first phase—house listing—will capture information on residential status, property details, and household amenities.
The subsequent second phase will delve deeper into gathering extensive demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural particulars about individuals, with specific questionnaires addressing caste affiliations. The census cell operating under the revenue and land reforms department has been entrusted with executing this massive statewide operation efficiently.
Government Addresses Officer Attendance Concerns
In related administrative developments, Deputy CM Sinha issued a stern directive to all circle officers and revenue officers associated with the revenue service, urging them to return to their respective duty stations without delay. He noted with satisfaction that a substantial number of officers had already resumed their responsibilities across various districts on Saturday.
The government has taken a firm stance regarding officer attendance, with Sinha warning that any officer found absent on Monday would face strict disciplinary measures. This announcement comes after revenue officers had initiated an indefinite strike earlier in the week, which prompted the government to address and accept their demands.
To monitor compliance and operational readiness, Principal Secretary CK Anil and Secretary Jai Singh will conduct a comprehensive review through a videoconference on Monday. This supervisory measure aims to ensure seamless preparation for the upcoming census while maintaining administrative discipline across the revenue department.
The coordinated approach between census planning and administrative management underscores Bihar's commitment to executing a transparent, accurate, and inclusive Census 2027 that will provide valuable insights into the state's evolving social and demographic landscape.
