Structure of the Upcoming Census (2026–27)
- Two-phase process:
- House-listing phase (2026): Lists all dwellings, housing quality, amenities, and assets.
- Population enumeration phase (2027): Collects demographic and socio-economic information — including caste data (for the first time since 1941).
- First caste enumeration since 1941:
- 1941 data couldn’t be processed due to WWII.
- The 1931 Census remains the last usable caste data set.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Social Issues)
Why Caste Enumeration?
- PM Modi has stated it is meant to bring marginalised communities into the mainstream.
- Aims to identify disparities across castes to inform inclusive policy-making.
- However, current Census design may not support this goal without restructuring.
Key Gaps in Existing Census Design
- Questionnaire Limitations:
- Earlier caste questions limited to Scheduled Castes (SCs).
- No questions on OBCs or other castes in prior censuses.
- Proposed changes for 2027:
- Extend caste questions to all non-ST populations.
- Update digital data collection software and enumerator instructions.
Data Quality & Interpretation Issues
- Unemployment data flawed:
- Based on vague, year-long reference to “seeking/available for work”.
- Poor conceptual clarity and execution since 1981.
- Childbirth and survival data:
- Quality concerns; better captured by NFHS surveys.
- Not useful for reliable caste-wise analysis.
- Migration data weak:
- Many migrants undercounted or not identified as migrants.
- Weakens analysis of caste-mobility dynamics.
Household Linkage Problem
- Current phase gap (6–9 months) between house-listing and population enumeration:
- Linking housing data with personal details (like caste) becomes error-prone.
- Especially affects urban poor and smaller communities.
- Solution proposed:
- Transfer housing, amenities, and asset questions from house-listing to population enumeration.
- Enables better integration and analysis of socio-economic data by caste.
Missed Analytical Opportunities
- Without restructuring, Census cannot answer key policy questions:
- E.g., literacy rates of persons in kutcha houses by caste.
- Workforce patterns among urban poor across castes.
- Restructuring needed to allow such disaggregated, caste-wise insights.
Need to Make Census Leaner
- Remove redundant questions to enhance accuracy and focus:
- Ownership of mobiles/computers and bank accounts may no longer be vital.
- A shorter questionnaire:
- Improves efficiency and quality of responses.
- Reduces enumerator fatigue and respondent confusion.
Way Forward for Policy Use
- Past caste-wise data on socio-economic indicators underutilized.
- Upcoming caste data should:
- Be used for identifying Most Backward Castes/Tribes.
- Go beyond reservation quotas — inform targeted welfare policies.
- Despite practical limitations, Census remains the best tool for comprehensive nationwide caste data.
