PolityGS-I· 1 min read
Census 2027 Questionnaire Details
Why in news?
The questionnaire for Census 2027, released for specific regions, includes new data collection points, notably seeking religion, parents' place of birth up to the village level, and caste details.
Key points
- The questionnaire seeks religion and place of birth for both father and mother, down to the village level.
- It includes an option for 'other religion' and a pre-determined list for SC/ST castes, with an open field for others.
- This marks India's first caste enumeration in independent history.
- 13 new questions have been added to the Census 2027 questionnaire compared to Census 2011.
Background & context
The Census of India is a decennial process that collects demographic data. Caste enumeration was last done in 1931. The inclusion of caste details has been a contentious issue.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Census 2027 will include caste enumeration for the first time in independent India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society (Caste system, social stratification)