New Delhi/Chandigarh: The Centre has advanced the population enumeration phase of Census 2027 in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Goa, the four states where Assembly elections are due next year.
According to the orders issued in this regard, the census exercise in these four states will now be conducted from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027.
For the rest of the country, the population enumeration exercise is scheduled to take place in February 2027, as previously announced by the Registrar General of India (RGI).
Why Has Census Been Advanced In Four States?
The change in schedule comes in view of the upcoming Assembly elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Goa.
Advancing the enumeration exercise means the census process in these states can be completed ahead of the period when election-related activity is expected to intensify.
The development is also being seen as an indication that the upcoming Assembly elections, including the politically significant Punjab Assembly Elections 2027, are likely to proceed according to their expected schedule.
However, the formal election dates will be announced separately by the Election Commission of India.
Punjab Assembly Elections 2027 In Focus
The decision is particularly significant for Punjab, where political parties have already begun stepping up preparations for the 2027 electoral battle.
With the population enumeration phase now scheduled between December 1 and January 4, the exercise would be completed well before the expected Assembly election period.
Similar arrangements will apply in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Goa.
The remaining states and Union Territories will continue with the Census 2027 population enumeration exercise according to the previously announced February schedule.
