Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously adopts resolution urging Centre to do away with ‘Open-Column Method’ while enumerating BCs, MBCs, and DNCs

On September 8, 2026, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Union government to eliminate the 'Open-Column Method' for collecting caste details in the upcoming Census 2027. The resolution, moved by Minister for Backward Classes Welfare V. Sampathkumar, demanded that the Central and State governments pre-load lists of Backward Classes (BCs), Most Backward Classes (MBCs), and Denotified Communities (DNCs) into the Census enumeration portal, ensuring accurate caste data collection during the second phase of the census.

The resolution emphasized the importance of using the lists of BCs, MBCs, and DNCs notified by the Union and State governments, as per the Constitution, to avoid the ambiguity and inaccuracies associated with the ambiguous 'Open-Column Method'. Under this method, respondents can self-declare their caste, which is then recorded by the enumerator, rather than selecting one from a pre-defined list.

This approach had been criticized for potentially leading to flawed data collection, particularly for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), as their caste details had been omitted from post-Independence censuses.

All members present in the House supported the resolution, signaling a strong consensus on the need for a more precise and controlled approach to caste enumeration in the upcoming census.