What is the primary concern raised regarding the 'Open-Column Method' in the context of census data collection?

It leads to ambiguity as it relies on respondent self-declaration rather than pre-defined lists.

It violates the privacy rights of the respondents under the Census Act.

It prevents the inclusion of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the census.

It is too expensive to implement at the national level.

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9 September 2026

Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution on Census 2027 caste data

The resolution highlights significant federal tensions and methodological challenges regarding caste-based data collection in the Census, which is a core governance and social justice issue relevant to the UPSC syllabus.

Notes

The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a unanimous resolution regarding the methodology for the upcoming Census 2027.
The resolution requests the Central government to pre-load existing lists of Backward Classes (BCs), Most Backward Classes (MBCs), and Denotified Communities (DNCs) onto the census portal.
The objective is to ensure caste data collection is based on pre-defined government-notified lists rather than open-ended self-declaration.
The state government advocates for replacing the 'Open-Column Method' with a structured selection process for BCs, MBCs, and DNCs.
The 'Open-Column Method' allows respondents to self-declare their caste, which the state argues leads to ambiguity in data collection.
The resolution seeks to align the enumeration process for BCs, MBCs, and DNCs with the existing methodology used for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Part of a longer story

This is day 20 of 22 in Caste enumeration in Census 2027, which has been running since 7 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

Discuss the significance of standardized data collection methodologies in the census for the effective implementation of social welfare schemes for Backward Classes. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
Critically examine the challenges associated with caste-based enumeration in India and the necessity of balancing administrative accuracy with the constitutional mandate for social justice. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

What is the primary concern raised regarding the 'Open-Column Method' in the context of census data collection?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

‘Drop Open Column for Backward Classes, others in Census 2027’

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