Caste, COVID vaccine, bank accounts, voter/aadhaar: The big changes in census 2027

India's 2027 Census will be a landmark demographic exercise, unprecedented in the nation's history. This is the first census since Independence that will record the caste of every respondent. The expanded questionnaire will consist of 40 questions, a significant increase from the 29 categories in the 2011 Census. The new set of questions will encompass a wide range of demographic and socio-economic information, including digital literacy, Aadhaar enrollment, mobile numbers, bank account ownership, voter ID registration, and passport details.

The inclusion of caste in the census is sparking political debate, as its significance and implementation are subjects of contention. The census will employ an open-column system, allowing respondents to categorize themselves based on their caste identity. This shift in methodology draws from the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census, which provided valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions and caste structure in India.

The government has drawn several lessons from the previous census, aiming to address challenges and improve the accuracy, privacy, and utility of the 2027 Census. The census's findings will have far-reaching implications for policymaking, welfare schemes, and representation in India. It is essential to understand the significance of these changes and their potential impact on various aspects of Indian society.