Caste Enumeration Will Change Nature Of Census: Former Himachal Census Director

The Centre has officially announced a two-phase Census, to be conducted in 2026-27. It will be an elaborate and comprehensive exercise across the country. As the first census after 2011, it will mark a significant departure by enumerating caste after over a century. The trends in the population census and caste data are bound to influence state politics across the country and in Himachal Pradesh. Ashwani Sharma speaks to Balbir Tegta, former Director of Census Operations for Himachal Pradesh, who worked hands-on on the 2011 Census. Excerpts from the interview:

On June 16, 2025, the Union Home Ministry notified the population census for the country. This time, it will also include caste data. How significantly will this change the nature and scope of the census?

A population census is very crucial to study emerging demographic trends. The exercise, undertaken every ten years, provides detailed information about the population size, its distribution and characteristics, all essential for planning and development at the national and local levels. Unfortunately, the 2021 Census could not be conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, thereafter, the general elections, and so on. I am happy that the Centre has given the green signal to the next census.

The 2011 Census did not enumerate caste apart from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were not enumerated, even as we understand that they are in significant numbers in Himachal Pradesh. However, like other states, the Himachal Pradesh government appointed a commission to conduct a survey of OBCs, which identified the castes to be placed in the category and notified them for the purpose of access to welfare benefits and programmes.

The caste enumeration at the national and state level will notably expand the scope and alter the very nature of the census. It will have political implications too.

What can you tell us about the current caste composition in Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh had a total population of 68,56,509, comprising 34,73,892 males and 33,82,617 females reported in the 2011 Census. State government surveys estimate that the Scheduled Castes make up around 25 per cent of the population. Yet, some Dalit rights organisations argue that this figure now exceeds 30 per cent. There are approximately 55 to 58 identified sub-castes within the Scheduled Caste category. Himachal is also home to around a dozen tribal communities (Scheduled Tribes, which make up 5.71 per cent of the population). Among them, the Haati community, residing in the Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur district, was recently granted tribal status, though the matter is currently under judicial review in the High Court.

In Himachal Pradesh, the OBCs are 13.53 per cent of the population. Approximately 50.72 per cent of the population is upper caste, mostly Rajputs and Brahmins.

And What Is Their Political Distribution?

Himachal Pradesh has 68 Assembly constituencies. Of these, 17 are reserved for Scheduled Castes. Apart from these, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and Bharmour—all in the tribal belt—are reserved for Scheduled Tribes. Kangra, the biggest district in the state has six Assembly seats served for the Scheduled Caste contestants.

How Tough Was It To Conduct A Census In Himachal Pradesh In 2011?

Himachal Pradesh has had eleven population censuses so far. Each required meticulous planning and a detailed ground-level strategy for data collection. Thousands of enumerators—basically, teachers, Patwaris, Aanganwadi workers and other government employees—are deputed for this job. During the last census, they were trained by master trainers and each had to manually fill extensive forms with multiple columns. Reaching every household across remote villages, mountain peaks and deep valleys was a truly herculean task.

With Advances In Technology, Will The Upcoming Census Be Significantly Different From The Earlier Ones?

That is quite certain. Technology will significantly enhance the 2027 Census operations. I do not know what the exact modalities will be, but I believe digital enumeration, mobile applications and real-time monitoring could make the task of data collection and enumeration a bit easier.

The 2011 Census consisted of two ‘performas’, with about 35 columns each, making them quite comprehensive and elaborate. One pertained to the household census, and the other was meant for enumeration purposes.

As you know, the Census is based on information shared by the head of each family. Under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948, the onus is on them to state the facts correctly to the enumerator, who is duty-bound to record the information correctly. At the end of the performa, there was a mandatory signed declaration by the head of the family, confirming the accuracy of the information.

The head of the family cannot be forced to depose and it is an entirely voluntary disclosure process. This is the pattern followed for census operations all over the world. The records are confidential and cannot be called up [even] by a court, as they are protected by the Census Act to ensure the privacy of citizens‎.

I expect there will be self-enumeration options for citizens this time, or enumerators may use smartphones or cloud-based data storage and processing tools. This could streamline the process, reduce errors and cut down the use of paper. The data analysis will also become quicker.

What Were The Few Significant Findings Of The 2011 Census?

The most striking findings, apart from those related to the population size and growth rates [of population], there was a significant rise in the literacy ratio in Himachal Pradesh. It was 83.78 per cent—males at 90.83 percent and females at 76.60 percent. The new data will be interesting to watch, as the state has made big strides in the education, health and horticulture sectors.

How About Socio-Economic Indicators?

Our data in 2011 showed that over 82 per cent of people in Himachal Pradesh had access to telephones, including mobile phones—a sharp rise from just 13.9 per cent in 2001. Nearly 75 per cent of households enjoy proper housing, and 73 per cent own televisions, up from just 50.4 per cent in 2001. With rapid digital penetration and improved road infrastructure, the state is poised to outpace many others in terms of economic growth. Its strong socio-economic indicators are driving progress beyond caste and regional divides.