Census 2027 to Include Historic Caste Enumeration

In 2027, the Indian census will incorporate a caste enumeration for the first time since 1931 alongside traditional data collection. Sheetal Verma, director of census operations in Uttar Pradesh, confirms digital self-enumeration options and clarifies data privacy measures and administrative preparations for gathering comprehensive demographic insights.

The 2027 Indian census marks a significant shift as it will include caste enumeration, a first in nearly a century. Sheetal Verma, the chief principal census officer in Uttar Pradesh, announced that this effort aims to provide comprehensive demographic data, incorporating individual characteristics such as fertility, literacy, and occupation.

Verma emphasized the universal nature of this operation, ensuring every resident, except those with diplomatic immunity, is counted. The new digital platform will allow self-enumeration from May 7 to 21, 2027. This modernization accompanies an extensive workforce of 5.25 lakh officials and intensive territorial freezing until the census completion in March 2027.

Concerns about data privacy are addressed, with assurances from the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, that individual data remains confidential, exempted from Right to Information petitions or court use. The focus remains on statistical aggregates for policy-making, with caste data collection in the second phase subject to extensive planning.