CIVILS 360 - Major Headlines for Today - Why in News?

Sep 26, 2026

CIVILS 360 provides an analysis of major headlines, focusing on a government decision to collect caste data using an open-column method in Census 2027. The summary highlights how respondents will enter caste names freely without a predefined list, while the sorting and tabulation methodology remains under discussion by ORGI. It explains the open-column approach, key challenges in classification, accuracy and administrative complexity, and proposes a way forward emphasizing standardisation, expert consultation, transparency, and confidentiality protection.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages29

Reading Time1 h 13 min

AccessFree to download

Why in News?

Key Developments

What Is the Open-Column Method?

Major Challenges

Way Forward

CIVILS 360 IAS ACADEMY CIVILS 360 HINDU NEWSPAPER ANALYSIS DATE: 26/09/2026 MAJOR HEADLINES FOR TODAY MAJOR HEADLINES FOR TODAY MAJOR HEADLINES FOR TODAY MAJOR HEADLINES FOR TODAY Why in News? The government has decided to collect caste data through an open-column method in Census 2027, but the method for sorting and tabulating the collected caste information is yet to be finalised. Key Developments ➢ Citizens belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes will be able to enter their caste names in an open column. ➢ The system will not provide a predefined list of castes. ➢ A senior government official stated that the methodology for processing caste data is still under discussion. ➢ The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (ORGI) is preparing a proposal for sorting and tabulating the data. What Is the Open-Column Method? ➢ Under this method, respondents can enter their caste names freely rather than selecting from a predefined list. ➢ Major concern: Different names, spellings and regional variations of the same caste may make classification difficult. ➢ Example: The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) used an open-field approach and recorded over 46 lakh caste names. ➢ The caste data from SECC 2011 was not officially released in a final, usable form Major Challenges ➢ Data classification: Multiple names and spellings for the same caste. ➢ Accuracy: Risk of duplication and inconsistent responses. ➢ Administrative complexity: Difficulty in converting raw caste names into meaningful categories. ➢ Public trust: Lack of clarity about how collected data will be processed and used. Way Forward ➢ Develop a standardised caste classification methodology. ➢ Consult sociologists, demographers and caste experts. ➢ Account for regional variations in caste names. ➢ Ensure transparency in data processing. ➢ Protect the confidentiality of personal information.

FAQs

What is the government planning to do in Census 2027 regarding caste data?

The government plans to collect caste data through an open-column method in Census 2027, where citizens can enter their caste names freely.

What is the main concern with the open-column method?

Different names, spellings, and regional variations for the same caste can make classification difficult and may lead to inconsistent categorisation.

What way forward is suggested to address challenges in processing caste data?

Develop a standardised classification methodology, consult experts, account for regional variations, ensure transparency in processing, and protect confidentiality of personal information.

Sep 26, 2026

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