UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Rahul criticises use of term vanvasi for tribal people, renews call for caste census

Q1. In the context of Census 2027, the term 'reference date' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

• A. The date on which the Census gazette notification was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs
• B. The fixed moment of time with reference to which every person is enumerated and counted (00:00 hours of 1 March 2027 for most of India)
• C. The date from which self-enumeration through the digital portal is first opened to the public
• D. The last date by which the Houselisting and Housing Census phase must be completed in all states

Q2. With reference to how Census 2027 differs from earlier decadal censuses conducted after independence, consider the following statements: 1. It will be the first census since independence to enumerate caste for all individuals, and not merely Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 2. It is designed as India's first fully digital census with a provision for self-enumeration. 3. Unlike earlier censuses, it will be conducted in a single synchronous phase across the entire country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. It will be the first census since independence to enumerate caste for all individuals, and not merely Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
2. It is designed as India's first fully digital census with a provision for self-enumeration.
3. Unlike earlier censuses, it will be conducted in a single synchronous phase across the entire country.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The decision to include caste enumeration within the upcoming Census 2027 was formally taken in 2025 by which one of the following bodies, chaired by the Prime Minister?

• A. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
• B. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs
• C. Cabinet Committee on Security
• D. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs

Q4. With reference to the institutional and procedural framework of Census 2027, consider the following: 1. The nodal ministry conducting the Census is the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India. 2. The reference date for Population Enumeration for most of the country is 1 March 2027. 3. The reference date for Ladakh and snow-bound non-synchronous areas is 1 October 2026. 4. The Census is being conducted by NITI Aayog as the implementing agency. Which of the statements given above is/are correctly identified?

1. The nodal ministry conducting the Census is the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India.
2. The reference date for Population Enumeration for most of the country is 1 March 2027.
3. The reference date for Ladakh and snow-bound non-synchronous areas is 1 October 2026.
4. The Census is being conducted by NITI Aayog as the implementing agency.

• A. 1, 2 and 3
• B. 2 and 4 only
• C. 1 and 4 only
• D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. Consider the following statutory or constitutional provisions cited in debates over tribal ('Adivasi') rights and identity: 1. PESA Act, 1996 — extends provisions of Part IX (Panchayats) to Scheduled Areas. 2. Forest Rights Act, 2006 — recognises rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. 3. Article 342 — provides for specification of Scheduled Tribes by the President. 4. Article 244A — provides for caste enumeration of tribes in the decennial Census. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correctly matched?

1. PESA Act, 1996 — extends provisions of Part IX (Panchayats) to Scheduled Areas.
2. Forest Rights Act, 2006 — recognises rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
3. Article 342 — provides for specification of Scheduled Tribes by the President.
4. Article 244A — provides for caste enumeration of tribes in the decennial Census.

• A. 1 and 3
• B. 2 and 4
• C. 4 only
• D. 3 and 4