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Census 2027 Phase 2 to Begin Aug 17, Capture Caste and Parents' Birth Details

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Governance

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Why in news

The second phase of Census 2027, which will collect caste data for the first time since 1931, is set to begin on August 17 in snow-bound areas. This phase will also record parents' birth details, which are key for determining citizenship. The move is significant as it could impact citizenship verification and policy-making.

Background

The Census is conducted every 10 years, but the 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Census 2027 will be the first to collect caste data since 1931. The National Population Register (NPR) exercise, which was earlier linked with the Census, has been delinked from Census 2027.

Key facts

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  1. The population enumeration phase of Census 2027 will begin on August 17 in snow-bound areas of Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

  2. The enumeration in these areas will be conducted from September 1-30, with a self-enumeration window from August 17-30.

  3. Caste will be recorded 'as declared by the respondent' for the first time since 1931.

  4. A drop-down menu will list SC/ST categories specific to the state where the respondent is enumerated.

  5. No document or caste certificate is required to verify caste status.

  6. The phase will collect date and place of birth of parents, which are key factors for determining citizenship.

  7. Respondents will not be asked for proof of parents' birth details; they will be recorded 'best to the knowledge of the respondent'.

  8. If exact date of birth of parents is unknown, a default date like January 1 of the year will be accepted.

  9. Passport numbers (where available) and Aadhaar numbers will be collected voluntarily.

  10. The questionnaire for Phase-2 will be notified soon.

Prelims pointers

  • Census 2027: Population enumeration phase begins August 17, 2026.
  • Areas: Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (snow-bound).
  • Caste data collection: First time since 1931.
  • Parents' birth details: Date and place of birth collected for citizenship determination.
  • Voluntary collection: Passport and Aadhaar numbers.
  • Self-enumeration window: August 17-30, 2026.
  • Enumeration period: September 1-30, 2026.
  • National Population Register (NPR) delinked from Census 2027.
  • Socio-economic caste census 2011: Over 45,000 castes reported.
  • Home ministry notification issued on Monday (August 4, 2026).

Mains angles

  • Discuss the significance of collecting caste data in Census 2027 and its implications for social justice and policy.
  • Critically examine the use of self-declaration for caste and parents' birth details in the Census, and its impact on data reliability.
  • Analyze the role of Census data in citizenship determination and the potential challenges in implementation.
Census 2027 Phase 2 to Begin Aug 17, Capture Caste and Parents' Birth Details — UPSC Governance · in5points