India’s 2027 digital census to record caste data for the first time in 96 years
India is set to conduct its first caste-based census in nearly a century, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi overseeing the process. The 2027 census, scheduled for March 1, will be fully digital and is expected to provide crucial data for targeted social justice programs.
The census will be the first since 1931 to record people's castes, a significant determinant of social status in India. More than two-thirds of the population belongs to historically disadvantaged communities, making detailed caste data crucial for targeted initiatives.
The government is preparing for the census with a 20-day trial of mobile software systems in Karnataka, starting November 10. This trial aims to test the efficiency of digital data collection across diverse areas, paving the way for India's first fully digital population census in 2027.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, which previously opposed caste-based enumeration, has now backed the new survey. Proponents argue that detailed caste data is essential for designing effective social justice programs. The census count in high-altitude regions will begin earlier, on October 1, 2026.
The 2027 census promises to provide valuable insights into India's social fabric. With the support of the ruling party and the backing of the prime minister, the digital census is expected to be a significant step forward in understanding and addressing social disparities in the country.
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