The intention of the Government of India for conducting Census 2027 has been notified. In Census, Caste also will be enumerated in second phase. In India, the Census Operation is conducted in two phases. In phase one i.e., House Listing Operation (HLO) information regarding housing conditions, assets, amenities, etc. of each household are collected. The second phase i.e., Population Enumeration (PE) in which the demographic, socio- economic, cultural, and other details of every person are collected. The Government of India has notified (22nd January 2026) the Questions for the phase one. Questions for the second phase, including the Questions on Caste, will be notified before the commencement of the second phase of the Census Operation.

Several representations regarding the enumeration of Caste have been received from various organisations of different States, including of the State of Tamil Nadu. The questions, including on Caste, for the second phase will be finalized and notified as per the established procedure.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

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RK/RR/PR/PS/SC