Census 2027 Drops ‘Beggars, Vagrants’ Category From Non-Economic Activity List
New Delhi: Census 2027 will not separately record data on begging, marking a departure from previous census exercises. The questionnaire has omitted the category ‘beggars and vagrants etc’ from the list of ‘non-economic activity’. The decision was taken due to the very low return under this category in the last census, when around 3.8 lakh non-workers and marginal workers identified themselves as…
The upcoming 2027 Census in India will not separately record data on begging, marking a departure from previous census exercises. The questionnaire will no longer include the category of 'beggars and vagrants' among the 'non-economic activity' options. This decision was taken due to the minimal response under this category in the last census, where approximately 3.8 lakh non-workers and marginal workers identified as 'beggars and vagrants' in 2011.
Previously, 'beggars and vagrants' were listed alongside students, household duties, dependents, pensioners, and rentiers under the 'non-economic activity' section. Consequently, the count of beggars in the country, along with their demographic details, will no longer be part of the Census tables. The 'beggars and vagrants' figures from previous censuses, including those from 2011, 2001, and 1991, were deemed unreliable because of the social stigma attached to the category, leading many respondents to avoid self-identification.
Another notable change in the 2027 Census is the addition of 'natural calamities' as a new reason for migration, alongside existing categories like work, business, education, and marriage.
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