What Steps Are Being Taken for Census 2027?
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Synopsis
The Government's preparations for the upcoming Census 2027 have begun, marked by a gazette notification issued in June. This article details the roadmap drafted during a recent conference and highlights the distribution of pensions to Freedom Fighters under the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana.
Key Takeaways
- Gazette notification for Census 2027 issued on June 16.
- Two-day conference held to draft a roadmap for the census.
- Focus on data collection through mobile apps.
- 171,689 Freedom Fighters receive pensions under SSSY.
- Increased budget allocation for the pension scheme in 2024-25.
New Delhi, July 22 (NationPress) The Government has initiated preparations for Census 2027 with the issuance of a gazette notification on June 16, signaling the intention to conduct a Population Census, as stated by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday.
In response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai mentioned that prior to Census 2027, a two-day conference took place on July 3 and 4 to establish a comprehensive roadmap for the upcoming exercise.
The conference brought together Directors of Census Operations, senior officials from the Directorates of Census Operations, and representatives from the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, according to the MoS's reply to questions posed by MPs Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, D K Aruna, and Eatala Rajender.
During the conference, participants discussed various Census-related initiatives, including the finalization of administrative units, the collection of data via mobile applications, and the management and oversight of census operations through the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) portal, along with self-enumeration and training for census personnel.
In another response, MoS for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar noted that there are currently 171,689 Freedom Fighters receiving a Central pension under the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY). Among these, the largest contingent of 24,905 is from Bihar-Jharkhand, followed closely by 22,472 from West Bengal.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, Rs 599.29 crore was allocated under this scheme, an increase from Rs 539.67 crore in 2023-24, as explained by the MoS.
He also mentioned that 13,212 pensioners are still alive and receiving the SSSY Samman pension, with 9,778 widows among them.
Pensions are awarded to freedom fighters under the SSSY if they have endured a minimum of six months of imprisonment in mainland jails before independence.
Ex-Indian National Army (INA) personnel may also qualify for a pension if they faced imprisonment or detention outside India for six months or longer. For women and SC/ST freedom fighters, the required minimum period of actual imprisonment is three months.
Furthermore, pensions are granted to individuals who remained underground for six months or more, provided they were considered a proclaimed offender, had a reward for arrest, or had a detention order issued but not executed.
Individuals who were interned in their homes or externed from their districts under the authority's orders for six months or more are also eligible for this pension, the MoS concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the Government's proactive steps towards organizing the Census 2027, a crucial exercise that will shape policy and governance in the years to come. The detailed planning and collaboration among various departments signify a commitment to transparency and inclusivity in data collection.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Census 2027?
Census 2027 aims to gather accurate population data to inform policy-making, resource allocation, and socio-economic planning.
Who will be involved in the Census operations?
Census operations will involve Directors of Census Operations, senior officials, and trained census functionaries.
What is the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana?
The Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana provides pensions to Freedom Fighters who have faced imprisonment for their contributions towards India's independence.
How many Freedom Fighters receive pensions under SSSY?
Currently, 171,689 Freedom Fighters are receiving pensions under the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana.
What is the eligibility criteria for SSSY pensions?
Pensions are awarded to those who have endured at least six months of imprisonment before independence or meet specific criteria related to underground activities.
