Census pushed to 2027 to avoid disruption in school education post-Covid19 pandemic: Home Ministry

The Government of India has postponed the nationwide Census from 2021 to 2027. The Home Ministry made this decision to reduce disruption in school education caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Reason for Postponement

The pandemic caused severe interruptions in schooling. Millions of children faced long school closures and struggled with remote learning. The Census involves extensive door-to-door surveys that include school-age children and their families. The Ministry wants to avoid adding more disruption during this fragile recovery phase.

A senior official said, “We want to protect children’s learning and prevent further interruptions. Schools and local authorities are focused on normalizing education right now. Conducting the Census would take away valuable time and resources from these efforts.”

Impact on School Education

Schools have faced multiple closures since early 2020, affecting students’ academic progress. The government recognizes that the Census could divert teachers and staff who support both education and data collection. The delay gives schools time to stabilize and help students catch up.

Experts welcomed this decision. They said the Census could have put additional pressure on schools and staff, especially in rural and urban areas where teachers often assist enumerators.

Operational Challenges

The Census requires massive coordination. Local authorities, schools, and enumerators usually work closely together. The pandemic has made these logistics harder due to health risks and manpower shortages.

Postponing the Census to 2027 allows time for better vaccination coverage and safer conditions. Schools can operate normally without extra demands.

Broader Implications

Other countries have also delayed their population counts because of Covid-19. Census data is crucial for planning education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. Collecting data in 2027 will better reflect post-pandemic realities.

Moving Forward

The Home Ministry plans to start preparing for the 2027 Census soon. They will use lessons learned during the pandemic to improve the process. The new strategy will include digital tools and safety protocols to protect everyone involved.

This decision shows the government’s focus on balancing important administrative tasks with the urgent need to support children’s education during recovery.