Former Secretary to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs Gopal K Pillai said that the ongoing 2027 census would differ materially from earlier census exercises because it was expected to be digital, allow for self-enumeration, and also to include a caste census. He noted the heightened political significance of the census in light of its impact on the Constitutional amendments relating to 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and other elected bodies. He cautioned that a caste census would involve serious conceptual and administrative complications, including ambiguity over caste identity, changes in caste names, differences in spelling, and questions concerning conversion across religions. On top of these complications, caste descriptors remained in a constant flux because of differences in the usage of caste names by the community itself and externally.
In Pillai’s view, these issues warrant widespread and detailed public consultation. However, consultations have unfortunately not taken place despite repeated demands. He suggested that because of the digital nature of the 2027 census exercise, data might be released more quickly than in the past.
