OBC ORGANISATIONS SEEK STANDARDISED CASTE RECORDS AHEAD OF 2027 CENSUS

November 1, 2026

Several organisations representing Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are renewing their demand for changes to the caste-enumeration format planned for India’s 2027 Census, arguing that a standardised system is essential for accurately recording community-wise population data.

The organisations want the government to introduce pre-loaded caste lists or drop-down menus in the digital enumeration tools instead of relying on an open-ended question that requires enumerators to manually enter respondents’ caste details. They are also approaching Opposition MPs to build pressure for changes to the questionnaire before the enumeration process begins.

The demand follows the Supreme Court’s decision to dispose of a petition filed by the OBC Federation of India seeking directions to introduce a pre-loaded caste menu. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said the matter concerned a policy decision and could be addressed by the government. The court did not express an opinion on the merits of the petition and allowed the organisation to approach the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.

The issue has revived concerns arising from the Socio-Economic and Caste Census conducted in 2011–12. Although economic data from that exercise was released in 2015, the caste statistics were withheld by the government, which cited inaccuracies involving the identification and classification of surnames, gotras and castes. The proposed 2027 Census format reportedly follows a similar open-ended approach.

The August notification of the Census questionnaire introduced an open-ended caste question for the first time since 1931. OBC representatives argue that without standardised caste codes and official lists, inconsistencies in data collection could undermine the accuracy and usefulness of the exercise. The All India OBC Employees’ Federation has indicated that it will continue pressing the Centre for changes before enumeration begins.

The debate places renewed focus on the methodology of India’s forthcoming caste enumeration and the challenge of ensuring reliable, consistent community-wise population data.