Archive · 18 Sep 2025
India's Census: Questions Raised About Caste, Religion, and Language
India is getting ready for a big count called the Census, but some people have questions.
They're worried about how the government will count different groups of people.
One big question is about caste, because the last time they asked about it was a long time ago.
Another worry is about religion, especially for people who might follow two religions or for tribal groups who don't fit neatly into categories.
Finally, they're concerned about how languages are grouped together, potentially misrepresenting how people speak.
People are concerned the census might not be fair to everyone if they're not counted in the right way.
The Indian Census, originally planned for 2021, is now set to begin in 2026 and 2027.
Concerns exist regarding the methodology for the caste census.
Questions are raised about the accurate representation of people with multiple religious beliefs.
The article discusses the potential misrepresentation of tribal groups within existing religious categories.
The census's method of classifying languages is questioned, particularly regarding smaller languages.
- Who
- The Indian government and the Census authorities.
- What
- Are preparing for the upcoming census, but concerns are being raised about its methodology.
- When
- The census will begin in October 2026 in certain regions, and in March 2027 for the rest of India.
- Where
- India, with initial focus on the western Himalayan regions.
- Why
- The article questions the inclusion of caste data, the representation of religious identities, and language classifications within the census.
Concerns
Government
Caste Census
Concerns
Concern over how the DNT population will be counted and the inclusion of specific questions related to their identity.
Government
The government is conducting caste enumeration in the national Census.
Religious Data
Concerns
Concerns about misrepresenting religious identities of bi-religious individuals and the proper categorization of tribal communities.
Government
The government will collect data on religion.
Language Classification
Concerns
Criticism of how languages are grouped and the potential for the denial of linguistic identity.
Government
The Census will use a method to group languages.
- Census Start Date (Western Himalayas)
- October 1, 2026
- Census Start Date (Rest of India)
- March 1, 2027
- Last Caste Enumeration
- 1931
- Total population in 2011 Census
- 121 crore
- Hindu Population (2011)
- 96.62 crore
- Muslim Population (2011)
- 17.22 crore