Census 2027 will include questions regarding caste, religion, and Covid-19 vaccination details, as confirmed by the Centre. The Registrar General of India has finalised a comprehensive questionnaire comprising 40 questions, marking the first instance of caste data being gathered in the decennial Census.

This collection of caste information was initially scheduled for 2021 but was deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, the Union Cabinet allocated Rs 11,718 crore for the execution of Census 2027, aiming to facilitate an extensive evaluation of the population.

The enumeration process is set to commence on September 1 in the regions of Ladakh and the snow-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This phase will continue until September 30, while a digital self-enumeration option will be available from August 17 to 31 before the in-person data collection begins.

Details of the Questionnaire

The 40-point questionnaire will not only yield demographic data but will also encompass personal aspects. Information to be collected includes age, marital status, spouse details, nationality, and religion. Additional data recorded will involve the background of parents, mother tongue, literacy levels, and digital literacy.

For married women or those who are widowed, divorced, or separated, inquiries about the number of surviving children and their birth details from the previous year will be included. The sourcing of caste information will allow respondents to declare their caste rather than choosing from a predetermined list.

The decision to incorporate caste queries was made by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2022, marking a significant shift in data collection practices for the Census.

Focus on Daily Life and Documentation

The questionnaire will probe into various aspects of daily life, including where respondents received their Covid-19 vaccinations, the number of bank accounts held, and ownership of various identification documents like Aadhaar, Voter ID, and passports. Respondents will also be queried about the possession of a driving licence.

This Census aims to employ fully digital methods, with data collection and processing managed through advanced digital systems. Such technological integration is anticipated to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the enumeration process.

Inquiries regarding educational qualifications and employment will also be part of the Census. Participants will be asked if they attended any educational institution, their highest level achieved, and their specific field of study. Employment-related questions will detail work engagement over the previous year, types of occupations, and categories of workers.

Migration and Housing Details

The Census will further gather detailed information on migration patterns. This will include the birthplace of respondents, previous places of residence, reasons for migration, and the length of time spent at the current address, along with their permanent residential details.

The housing aspect of Census 2027 commenced earlier on April 16, alongside house listing activities across various states and Union territories. This phase is set to last until September 30, wherein enumerators will visit residences to document information about households and essential amenities.

Details regarding the head of each household, including name and gender, will also be part of this housing census, along with records on property ownership. The dual focus on population and housing is aimed at generating a comprehensive overview of the nation’s demographic and spatial dynamics.

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