Census 2027 Phase 2 from Aug 17, to capture caste, parents' birth details

Phase 2 rollout begins

The second phase of Census 2027 is set to begin on August 17, with enumerators fanning out across the country to collect detailed demographic information. This phase will notably include caste enumeration and parents' birth details for the first time in this census cycle.

Officials have confirmed that the final questionnaire for the phase will be released next week, giving citizens a clear picture of what information will be sought. The move is part of a broader effort to create a more granular database of India's population.

Regional scheduling for snow-bound states

While most states will see enumeration kick off mid-August, snow-bound regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will begin their phase from September 1. The staggered schedule accounts for weather constraints that could hamper access to remote areas.

Ladakh, too, will start its phase in September, with officials citing similar logistical challenges. The decision mirrors past census cycles where difficult terrain dictated a revised timeline.

Caste and parents' birth details in focus

The inclusion of caste in the questionnaire has been a contentious issue, with various political and social groups demanding a caste-based census for years. This phase aims to capture that data systematically, alongside parents' birth details, which could help in tracking generational trends.

Enumerators have been trained to handle sensitive questions with care, ensuring respondents feel comfortable providing accurate information. The data, officials say, will be used for policy planning and welfare scheme targeting.

Public participation drive

In the run-up to the enumeration, awareness campaigns have been underway. Amit Sharma, a key figure in the Census 2027 outreach, recently hailed public participation during an awareness marathon in Leh, underscoring the importance of citizen cooperation.

Officials have urged residents to keep documents like Aadhaar and ration cards handy to speed up the process, though they clarified that no proof of identity is mandatory for enumeration.

The exercise is expected to cover over 1.4 billion people, making it one of the largest census operations globally. The data collected will also feed into the National Population Register, which has its own implications for citizenship documentation.

What to watch next

With the final questionnaire slated for release next week, all eyes will be on the specific caste categories and how parents' birth details are framed. The success of Phase 2 will hinge on public awareness and enumerator efficiency, particularly in the snow-bound regions starting in September.