Census 2027 to Include 40 Questions Including Caste and COVID-19 Data

The Hindu outlines the notification of forty questions for the second phase of Census 2027 by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. The publication highlights that respondents will record their caste in an open column as declared, marking a historic inclusion for independent India outside of scheduled categories. Additional details collected will cover COVID-19 vaccination locations, bank accounts, and identification numbers such as Aadhaar and voter IDs. The enumeration begins in snow-bound regions in September before expanding nationwide next year.

The New Indian Express reports that the Centre has formally notified forty questions for the population enumeration phase of Census 2027. Issued by Registrar General Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan, the order incorporates inquiries into respondents' caste and COVID-19 vaccination history. Population enumeration is scheduled to begin in September for specific snow-bound regions, featuring an optional self-enumeration window. The remainder of the country will undergo the enumeration phase next year.

Deccan Herald reports that the central government has notified a forty-item questionnaire for the population enumeration phase of Census 2027. The exercise marks the first time caste will be enumerated in independent India by recording respondent-stated entries without a predefined list. The questionnaire also introduces new queries regarding COVID-19 vaccination places, digital literacy, and identification documents like Aadhaar and voter IDs. The article notes criticism from opposition leader Jairam Ramesh, who raised doubts about the government's intent regarding the open-ended caste recording method.

India Today covers the finalisation of the forty-question Census 2027 questionnaire by the Registrar General of India, noting a cabinet-approved budget of 11,718 crore rupees. The publication highlights the inclusion of caste data for the first time since the decennial census was delayed by the pandemic, using an open-ended format without a predefined list. The expanded schedule also gathers information on COVID-19 vaccinations, bank accounts, digital literacy, and various identification documents. House listing phases are already underway across multiple states and union territories.

The Indian government has officially notified a forty-question roadmap for Census 2027, marking a historic shift by including inquiries into caste alongside Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories. Reported details indicate that the census will also collect information on Covid-19 vaccination locations, digital literacy, identity documents, and parents particulars. Population enumeration will begin in snow-bound regions starting September, followed by the rest of the country in 2027, featuring a digital self-enumeration option for residents.