Form used in rehearsal for second phase of Census has an 'open column' to record caste
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📌 Summary:
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The rehearsal (pre-test) for the second phase of the Census — population enumeration — began on July 6 in 16 States and Union Territories and concludes on July 20
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The rehearsal form has an "open column" in which respondents can record their caste, indicating how caste is likely to be enumerated in Population Census 2027
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Officials clarified this is only a pre-test; the final methodology for caste enumeration will be prepared based on feedback received during the rehearsal
🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS1 Indian Society (caste) / GS2 Governance — methodology and implications of caste enumeration in the decennial Census; data-driven social policy and reservation debates
📝 Prelims Facts:
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Census rehearsal for the second phase: July 6-20, 2026, in 16 States/UTs; full Population Census due in 2027
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Caste to be recorded via an "open column" (self-declared entry) rather than a pre-coded list, as per the rehearsal form
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The Census is conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Census Act, 1948; a full caste count was last done in 1931
🔑 Key Term: Caste enumeration — recording caste of all respondents in the Census; Population Census 2027 is set to include it, the first comprehensive caste count in the decennial Census since 1931
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