Goa, June 16 -- The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a Gazette Notification announcing the commencement of the nationwide Census from March 1, 2027. However, in view of geographic and climatic considerations, the Census exercise will begin earlier-from October 1, 2026-in the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

This upcoming Census will be the first to be held in over 15 years, with the previous one conducted in 2011. Originally scheduled for 2021, the exercise was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authorities have stated that preparations are underway to ensure a smooth rollout across the country, including technological upgrades and enhanced training for enumerator...