Census Trainers Tackle Tough Queries, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Census 2027 second phase enumeration is set to begin on December 1 in poll-bound states and February 2027 for the rest of India.
• Training sessions for enumerators are underway, addressing new and sensitive questions.
• This marks Independent India's first comprehensive caste enumeration, with a specific question for non-SC/ST categories.
• The Census introduces 13 new questions, including those on Aadhaar, parents' birth details, bank accounts, and digital literacy.
• It is India's first digital Census, utilizing a mobile app for data collection by 34 lakh enumerators.

Detailed Insights:

• Enumerators are being trained to handle sensitive queries, particularly on Aadhaar (Question 37) and caste (Question 10 C).
• A field trainer incorrectly suggested Aadhaar data could serve as future proof of citizenship, which was contradicted by a senior Census official.
• The government maintains that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship and providing the number in the Census is optional.
• The caste question (10 C) requires manual entry for non-SC/ST categories, with no separate column for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Enumerators are instructed to record caste as stated by respondents without argument, and the field is marked mandatory.
• An age estimation method is provided for elderly respondents who may not recall their parents' exact birth dates.
• Each enumeration block covers 750-800 people, with each interview expected to last 20-25 minutes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Census: A decennial official enumeration of the population, collecting demographic and socio-economic data.
• Enumeration: The systematic process of counting and collecting data from individuals within a defined area.
• Aadhaar: A 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) based on biometric and demographic data.
• Caste Enumeration: The process of collecting data on the caste affiliations of the population, distinct from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.