Prime Minister announces 2027 Census schedule and hails Kalpakkam nuclear milestone in Mann Ki Baat
Why it matters
The announcement regarding Census 2027 marks a definitive timeline for the decennial data collection exercise which was delayed due to the global pandemic. Conducted under the Census Act of 1948, this exercise provides the fundamental database for the delimitation of constituencies and the allocation of government resources. Simultaneously, the reference to the Kalpakkam nuclear reactor highlights India's progress in the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme.
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam is a unique facility designed to produce more fuel than it consumes, utilizing uranium-plutonium mixed oxide. Reaching a milestone here is essential for achieving energy independence and reducing reliance on imported nuclear fuel. Administratively, the synchronization of a new census date allows various ministries to begin preparation for the massive logistical deployment required for household enumeration and the updating of the National Population Register.
| Project / Event | Institution | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Census 2027 | Ministry of Home Affairs | Data for policy planning |
| Kalpakkam PFBR | BHAVINI | Fast Breeder Reactor technology |
| Nuclear Stage | Department of Atomic Energy | Stage II of 3-stage program |
Glossary
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor: A nuclear reactor that generates more fissile material than it consumes, typically using fast neutrons.
Census: The official process of counting a population and recording various aspects of people's lives for government planning.