Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Tamil Nadu Assembly Urges Official OBC Names in 2027 Census
Tamil Nadu lawmakers want the next census to use official names for certain OBC groups.
These groups include Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities.
The Assembly wants the names from government lists to be entered into the census computer system.
People would choose a name from a menu instead of writing one freely.
Supporters say this would make the information clearer and more accurate.
They also say accurate information can help promote social justice.
The resolution concerns the second phase of the 2027 census.
It passed unanimously, although DMK lawmakers were not in the chamber after being evicted.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging official OBC names in the second phase of the 2027 census.
The resolution calls for collecting details of Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities using state and Union government lists.
Minister V Sampathkumar proposed pre-loading the notified caste names into the census portal through a drop-down menu.
The resolution rejects the ambiguous open-column method, warning that differing or regional caste names could create unclear data.
The resolution passed after AIADMK and PMK members supported it; DMK legislators were absent after being evicted following a ruckus.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly, with Minister for Backward Classes Welfare V Sampathkumar moving the resolution.
- What
- It passed a resolution urging the Centre to record OBC-related caste details using official government lists and names.
- When
- Tuesday, September 8; the resolution concerns the second phase of the 2027 census.
- Where
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai.
- Why
- To prevent ambiguity in caste data and support social justice and equal justice through accurate enumeration.
- Resolution status
- Passed unanimously by the Tamil Nadu Assembly
- Census involved
- Second phase of the 2027 Census of India
- Groups covered
- Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities
- Proposed system
- Pre-loaded official names selected through a drop-down menu
- Rejected method
- The open-column method for recording caste names
- Historical context
- OBC caste-wise details have been omitted from censuses conducted after Independence
- Legislative attendance
- DMK MLAs were absent after being evicted following a ruckus