Content :
- Population Census-2027 to be conducted in two phases along with enumeration of castes
- CAQM Mandates Cleaner Mobility for Aggregators and E-Commerce Entities Across NCR
Population Census-2027 to be conducted in two phases along with enumeration of castes
Population Census-2027: Key Highlights
- Will be conducted in two phases, similar to earlier census models.
- Caste enumeration to be carried out alongside the population census – a notable inclusion, given long-standing debates on caste data.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Social Issues)
Reference Dates
- For most of India:
- 00:00 hours, 1st March 2027
- For snow-bound/non-synchronous areas:
- 00:00 hours, 1st October 2026
- Includes Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
Legal Framework
- Census conducted under:
- Census Act, 1948
- Census Rules, 1990
- Notification for intent to conduct census (with reference dates) to be published in Official Gazette on 16 June 2025 (tentative).
- Legal provision used: Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948
Historical Context
- Last completed Census: 2011
- Phase I: House Listing (Apr–Sep 2010)
- Phase II: Population Enumeration (Feb 9–28, 2011)
- Reference Date: 1st March 2011, with exceptions for snow-bound areas (1st Oct 2010).
- Census 2021 was planned similarly, but:
- Postponed due to COVID-19
- Fieldwork was scheduled to begin from April 1, 2020
Significance of Caste Enumeration
- Marks a major policy shift – caste enumeration was previously limited to SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census), last done in 2011.
- Will provide updated caste data for social welfare and affirmative action policies.
- Could influence:
- Reservation policy reforms
- Targeted development programs
- Data-backed policy planning
Administrative & Policy Implications
- Requires massive logistical preparation – digital tools and trained manpower may be deployed.
- Can help in better socio-economic planning post-pandemic.
- Could reopen debates on caste-based reservation and resource allocation.
CAQM Mandates Cleaner Mobility for Aggregators and E-Commerce Entities Across NCR
Context: Air Pollution from Transport Sector
- Transport sector is a major year-round contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR, with a worsening impact in winters.
- Commercial vehicles are particularly polluting due to:
- High mileage
- Overloading
- Poor maintenance
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Push for E-Mobility in Commercial Services
- Delhi has already notified the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023 for:
- Licensing of aggregators in passenger and goods transport, including e-commerce deliveries.
- Promoting e-mobility among commercial fleets in the capital.
Expansion to Wider NCR
- Other NCR States – Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan – directed to frame similar policies for:
- Motor Vehicle Aggregators
- Delivery Services
- E-Commerce Platforms
- Focus cities: Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad (all High Vehicle Density areas with high pollution load).
CAQM Mandates (Effective 1st Jan 2026)
- Only CNG/Electric 3-Wheelers to be newly inducted in aggregator/delivery fleets.
- No new petrol/diesel:
- 2-Wheelers
- 4-Wheeler Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)
- 4-Wheeler Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) under N1 category (up to 3.5 tonnes) to be added.
- Existing ICE vehicles can continue operations.
Compliance & Monitoring
- NCR states must:
- Ensure strict compliance among all Aggregators/Delivery/E-Commerce entities.
- Create dedicated web portals for monitoring (similar to the one already developed by Delhi).
- Ensure wide publicity and awareness campaigns.
Significance
- Aims to reduce vehicular emissions, particularly in high-traffic urban corridors.
- Supports broader goals of National Electric Mobility Mission and air quality improvement under CAQM mandate.
- Could set a national precedent for clean commercial mobility in urban India.
