Census 2027: Govt Releases List Of 40 Questions, Caste Data To Be Recorded For The First Time

New Delhi: Regarding the upcoming census of the country, the central government has notified the list of 40 questions for the second phase of population census. This time, along with information related to caste, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, topics like Covid-19 vaccination site, disability, education, employment and migration have also been included in the form. According to the order issued by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the phase of population census in snowy and inaccessible areas will start from September 1, 2026.

Why is the question related to caste important in the census this time?

One of the most important features of Census 2027 is the inclusion of caste information. The form will ask whether the person belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe and what his caste is. This step is considered important amid the long standing demand of collecting caste based data. According to available reports, this is the first time since 1931 that caste-related information will be recorded in the country's regular comprehensive census.

What information related to the person will be sought?

The 40 questions include information such as the person's name, relationship to the head of the family, gender, date of birth, age, marital status, age at marriage, spouse's name, nationality and religion. Apart from this, information related to father and mother will also be recorded. This time, along with disability and mother tongue, information about other languages spoken by the person will also be a part of the form.

What will be asked regarding studies and employment?

The literacy and digital literacy status of the person will be recorded in the census. It will also be asked whether he is currently studying in any educational institution or not, what his highest educational qualification is and what subject or stream he has studied. Questions related to employment include information on work done in the past year, economic activity, occupation, type of industry or service, and category of worker.

What information will be taken from those migrating?

The government has also kept questions related to migration detailed. The person's place of birth, previous place of residence, reason for transfer from there and period of stay in the present village or city will be asked. Apart from this, permanent residential address will also be recorded. These data are expected to help in understanding the reasons for relocation and migration of a section of the population in the country.

What will be asked about the Covid vaccine?

The Census 2027 form also includes a question related to Covid-19 vaccination. People will be asked where they were given the Covid vaccine. This question makes this census different from the previous rounds, because in it a provision has also been made to record personal information related to the epidemic.

Will information about bank account & identity documents also have to be given?

A question related to the total number of bank accounts has also been placed in the form. Apart from this, information like mobile number, Aadhaar number if available, Voter ID card number, passport number in case of Indian passport and whether driving licence is available or not is also included in the list. Through these questions, the scope of identity data along with social and economic status in the census has also been expanded.

What questions related to women will be asked?

Information related to the number of surviving children will be collected from women who are currently married, widowed, divorced or living separately. Apart from this, the total number of children born alive till now and the number of children born alive in the last year will also be asked. These data can be used to understand the country's demographic situation and fertility trends.

Why will these figures be important in Census 2027?

The data collected from census plays an important role in preparing the social, economic and demographic picture of the country's population. According to the government, Census 2027 will be India's first digital census. According to official information, its reference time has been kept as 1 March 2027 for general areas and 1 October 2026 for snowy areas of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.