The second phase of India’s Census 2027 is set to begin on August 17, with citizens reportedly getting the option to self-enumerate online until August 30. According to the information provided, the exercise in snow-bound areas of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will be conducted from September 1 to September 30. A major feature of Census 2027 will be the collection of caste data, described as the first such inclusion in the regular Census since 1931. Individuals will reportedly be allowed to state their caste themselves without being required to produce a caste certificate or supporting document. Separate provisions are expected for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, while other respondents may be able to enter their self-declared caste.
The Census may also collect additional information, including parents’ date and place of birth. No documentary proof is reportedly expected to be required for these details, and responses will be recorded on the basis of information provided by individuals. Passport numbers may also be collected from passport holders, while providing an Aadhaar number is expected to remain voluntary. Digital technology and Artificial Intelligence could be used to organise and classify the large volume of caste-related information. This assumes significance because the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census produced more than 45,000 variations of caste names, making classification of the data challenging.
