Census notification welcomed in Sikkim

GANGTOK, : The Union Home Ministry on Monday issued the official notification for conducting the population census in the country. The Census, which will also include humongous data collection, including the caste details, will be conducted in two phases.

The first phase will cover the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and two hilly States -- Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand -- beginning on October 1, 2026.

The second phase will kick off on March 1, 2027.

The Census announcement has been warmly welcomed by the State BJP and social organisation Denzong Sherpa Association here in Sikkim.

In a press statement, Sikkim BJP said it wholeheartedly commends the landmark decision of the Central government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct a comprehensive population census including caste-based enumeration.This bold step reflects the Modi Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development, data-driven governance, and social justice for all communities, the party said.

Notably, this is the first time that caste enumeration will be made part of the mammoth Census exercise. The Centre, in a recent cabinet meeting, had given clearance for caste enumeration in the Census, reasoning that it would enable the Central government to frame policies with better precision and also make it target-oriented.

“The inclusion of caste data in the upcoming census will empower policymakers with accurate, up-to-date information about the socio-economic conditions of various communities across India. It will help ensure that benefits of welfare schemes and reservations reach the truly deserving sections, particularly the marginalised and underrepresented castes,” said Sikkim BJP media in-charge NirenBhandari.

Bhandari said the caste-based Census will strengthen the foundation of government initiatives and help eliminate guesswork in social justice programs.

“With real demographic insights, the government can rationally reassess and strengthen affirmative action in education, jobs, and governance.The census will give voice and visibility to communities that have long remained on the periphery of national development discourse,” said the Sikkim BJP media in-charge.

The State BJP maintained that this decision will mark a turning point in India’s journey towards a just and equitable society, where no citizen is left behind. The Central Government has once again demonstrated that good governance is rooted in listening, understanding, and acting in the interest of the last person in the queue, the party said.

We reaffirm our full support for this initiative and urge all citizens and stakeholders in Sikkim to cooperate fully with the Census process, said Bhandari.

Similarly, theDenzong Sherpa Association (DSA) has wholeheartedly welcomed the Census announcement. We express our gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for upholding the principles of inclusive governance by initiating this long-awaited exercise, said the association.

“One of the long-standing concerns of the Sherpa community in Sikkim has been the non-availability of updated and community-specific census data. The Sherpa population has remained statistically invisible within aggregated figures, often clubbed without distinction under larger ethnic categories. This has led to policy gaps, misrepresentation, and lack of targeted development measures for our community,” said DSA president Sangay Sherpa.

“However, the caste-based population census offers a historic opportunity to be counted as a distinct community, with clear demographic, educational, and socio-economic data enabling the government to better understand the specific needs and developmental challenges of the Sherpa people. It paves the way for evidence-based policy formulation, especially in the areas of education, employment, reservation, and cultural preservation.It will strengthen our rightful representation and recognition in both State and national platforms,” said the DSA president.

The DSA urged all members of the Sherpa community across Sikkim to participate actively and accurately in the upcoming census.

“Let us ensure every Sherpa household, every voice, and every identity is recorded with dignity and precision. Our collective participation will shape a better future for the coming generations.Let this be not just a statistical exercise, but a moment of community assertion, unity, and visibility,” said Sangay.