PolityGS-IGS-II· 1 min read
Census 2027 Questionnaire Concerns
Why in news?
The Congress has alleged that the Census 2027 questionnaire has a "deeper nefarious purpose" due to unprecedented questions on religion, parents' details, and alleged flaws in caste data methodology.
Key points
- Census 2027 questionnaire includes unprecedented questions on religion, date of birth, and birthplace of parents.
- Concerns raised over the methodology for collecting caste data, described as "deliberately flawed".
- This is the first caste enumeration in independent India.
- Respondents must type their caste name in an open field if not SC/ST, with an option to 'Does not want to declare'.
Background & context
The Census of India is a decennial exercise conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It collects demographic, economic, and social data. Caste census has been a sensitive issue in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Census 2027 questionnaire is being rolled out in Ladakh and snow-bound areas of three other states first.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social Issues, Indian Society; GS Paper 2: Government Policies and Interventions.