OBC Census 2027: Central & State Lists Integration – Impact on Reservation

Why the 2027 Caste Census Matters
Slated for March 2027 (October 2026 for snow-bound areas), this will be India’s first comprehensive caste survey since 1931. Key objectives:
Accurately map OBC populations across states
Inform evidence-based reservation policies
Resolve data gaps from the flawed SECC 2011 (data never published)


Integration Challenge:
 “Using only the Central List could give a misleading picture of OBCs in a state” – Government Source
This risks undercounting state-specific OBC groups, sparking federal tensions.

Constitutional & Federal Implications
Article 340: Mandates identification of “socially and educationally backward classes” (OBCs).
Federal Conflict: States argue they better understand local backwardness (e.g., Jats in Haryana vs. Central list exclusions).
Delimitation Link: Census data will reshape Lok Sabha constituencies (2026+), affecting OBC political representation.

SECC 2011 Failures: Lessons for 2027
Why the UPA-era survey failed:
Data inconsistencies (caste spellings varied district-wise)
Non-standardized methodology
Political opposition to releasing findings
The 2027 census aims to avoid these with digital drop-down menus covering all Central/State OBC castes.

Key Exam Takeaways
Ministry Involved: Registrar General of India (Home Ministry) conducts census.
Reservation Impact: Data may trigger demands for increased OBC quotas (beyond current 27%).
Policy Design: Will enable targeted welfare schemes for marginal OBC subgroups.
Political Shift: Could reshape electoral strategies in OBC-dominated states (UP, Bihar, Maharashtra).
 

Sample Q&A (Polity Focus):
Q: Which constitutional article governs OBC identification?
A: Article 340 – mandates appointment of a commission to investigate conditions of socially and educationally backward classes.
Q: Why integrate Central and State OBC lists in Census 2027?
A: To prevent undercounting (e.g., state-specific OBCs absent in Central List) and address federal concerns over data accuracy.
Q: How does delimitation relate to caste census data?
A: Post-2026 delimitation will use 2027 data to redraw parliamentary constituencies, affecting OBC political representation.
Q: What was the key flaw in SECC 2011?
A: Data inconsistencies (e.g., caste name variations) and lack of political consensus to publish findings.
Q: Which body conducts India’s census?
A: The Registrar General of India (under Home Ministry).