The massive exercise of Census 2027 has finally commenced across India, marking a shift to a completely digital format. The Central Government has unveiled a comprehensive list of 33 questions for the first phase, aimed at capturing the socio-economic pulse of the nation. However, a significant anomaly has emerged—West Bengal is the only state where the census operations have not yet seen the light of day, despite a nationwide rollout.

The delay in Bengal is being attributed to a lack of administrative synchronization between the State and the Centre. While the Union Home Ministry has issued directives for staff training and logistical setups, the process remains stalled in the TMC-ruled state. Historically, the census has been a sensitive topic in Bengal due to its perceived links with NRC and NPR, and experts believe similar concerns might be slowing down the current progress. The 33-question survey covers aspects like access to clean water, sanitation, and smartphone usage. As the rest of the country moves forward with data collection, Bengal’s distinct exclusion from the initial phase has sparked a fresh political debate on the federal cooperative structure.