In a landmark decision for the upcoming Census 2027, couples in live-in relationships who define their partnership as a ‘stable union’ will be recognized as married. This announcement was made through the self-enumeration portal, where individuals can opt to submit their Census data independently, rather than through an enumerator’s visit.
The self-enumeration portal is a significant feature of the Census exercise, enabling residents to report details about their households during two critical phases: the Houselisting and Housing Census, followed by the Population Enumeration. The first phase, set to commence on Wednesday, aims to gather comprehensive information about housing conditions and household assets, including the structure of homes, access to essential amenities, and ownership of vehicles. Additionally, it will record the number of residents in each household, as well as demographic details about the head of the household, such as name, gender, community status, and ownership rights.
The second phase, anticipated to kick off in February 2027, will focus on collecting demographic data on individuals. This will include critical information such as age, gender, education, occupation, and various socio-economic indicators. The 2021 Census, which faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was originally scheduled to begin in 2020, with the previous decadal Census conducted in 2011.
This move to classify stable live-in relationships as marriages reflects a growing recognition of diverse family structures in Indian society. Traditionally, Indian culture has placed immense emphasis on marriage, often leaving live-in couples in a legal grey area. By acknowledging stable unions, the Census aims to more accurately reflect the changing dynamics of relationships in contemporary India.
Experts believe this recognition could lead to more inclusive policies and social benefits for live-in couples, who often face challenges in legal and social spheres. This change could enhance their visibility and ensure they receive the same rights and recognition as traditionally married couples.
