{
  "id": 104254,
  "title": "Census phase 2 to begin Aug 17, will capture caste, parents’ birth details",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/census-phase-2-to-begin-aug-17-will-capture-caste-parents-birth",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T22:36:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/census-phase-2-to-begin-aug-17-will-capture-caste-parents-birth-details/articleshow/132843046.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Census 2027 phase 2 is scheduled to begin on August 17, marking the first time caste data will be collected since 1931. Ladakh, along with snow-bound regions in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, will be the initial focus for this phase. Census officials also anticipate collecting passport numbers (where available) and Aadhaar numbers on a voluntary basis. The enumeration in these regions will commence from September 1 to 30, preceded by a self-enumeration window from August 17 to 30.\n\nCaste will be recorded based on the respondent's declaration, with a drop-down menu for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, while the 'caste' field will cater to those who do not fall under the SC/ST category. Parents' birth data will be collected to determine the number of individuals who meet citizenship criteria, as this information will be critical for the national population register. Respondents will not be required to provide any proof of birth details for their parents and should record the best estimate of their parents' birth details. The collected data will not be used for legal evidence, government benefits, or public disclosure, as per the Census Act.",
  "summary": "The Census 2027 population enumeration phase begins August 17 in snow-bound northern areas. This phase will capture caste details for the first time since 1931. Parents' date and birthplace will also be recorded as declared by respondents. Passport and Aadhaar numbers may be collected voluntarily during the exercise. The questionnaire for this significant census phase will be notified soon.",
  "key_points": [
    "Census 2027 phase 2 begins Aug 17",
    "Collects caste data for first time since 1931",
    "Ladakh and snow-bound regions first focus"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Collecting caste data and parents' birth details marks a significant expansion of census information, potentially altering the government's understanding of social and demographic patterns.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}