Form used in rehearsal for second phase of Census has an ‘open column’ to record caste

The second phase of India's upcoming Population Census 2027 began its rehearsal on July 6, 2026, in 16 states and union territories. This phase, known as the Population Enumeration (PE), includes an "open column" for individuals to self-report their caste, according to officials involved in the process. The rehearsal aims to test the practicality of including caste information in the census for the first time since independence. While the final method for collecting caste data remains under consideration, this trial provides insight into how the broader enumeration might proceed. The rehearsal commenced in multiple regions, with each area conducting tests tailored to local conditions. In Faridabad, Haryana, the exercise took place within 17 enumeration blocks, each encompassing approximately 150 to 180 residential units housing about 650 to 800 people. These blocks were selected to represent diverse demographics and geographic settings. The pre-test runs until July 20, after which officials will analyze the results to refine the methodology before the actual PE phase begins in February 2027. However, in certain high-altitude and snow-bound regions such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, the PE phase will conclude by September 30 due to logistical challenges. During the rehearsal, participants could choose to complete the form themselves via an online portal, which was available from July 1 to July 5 in the designated areas. This approach allows for both traditional enumeration methods and digital participation, ensuring flexibility in data collection. Officials emphasized that while the current trial involves an open column for caste reporting, the final version of the questionnaire will be determined based on the outcomes of these rehearsals and stakeholder feedback. The inclusion of caste in the census marks a significant shift from previous practices. Historically, only Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) were officially recognized and enumerated in censuses. Now, the government plans to collect detailed information on all castes, reflecting a more comprehensive understanding of social stratification. The 2027 Census will be the first fully digital census in India and the first to include caste data for the entire population. Experts have debated the best way to capture caste information, with two primary approaches emerging: using an open column similar to the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) or providing a predefined list of castes for respondents to select from, as seen in Bihar's 2022-23 survey. The open column method led to over 4.6 million distinct caste names being recorded in the 2011 SECC, highlighting the diversity of interpretations and identities related to caste. However, the current government has previously criticized the reliability of the 2011 data, citing inconsistencies and errors in collection processes. The PE phase will consist of 29 questions, covering a range of topics including demographic characteristics, cultural aspects, economic status, literacy levels, migration patterns, marital status, employment-related travel, and reproductive health. These questions aim to gather a holistic view of the population, enabling better policy formulation and resource allocation. As of now, the initial phase of the census—the Housing and House Listing Operations (HLO)—remains incomplete in eight states: Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, West Bengal, Assam, and Manipur. Completing this phase is crucial for accurate household identification and enumeration in the subsequent stages. Once the HLO is finalized, the focus will shift entirely to the PE phase, which is set to commence in February 2027. The final version of the questionnaire is expected to be announced by September 2026, following evaluations from the ongoing trials and discussions among stakeholders.