Census 2027: Pinarayi Vijayan Criticises Questionnaire Over Queries on Parents’ Religion and Birthplace
Keralam Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has voiced strong objections to the Census 2027 questionnaire, which reportedly seeks information regarding the religion and birthplace of both parents. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) veteran argued that the Union government is attempting to integrate the National Population Register (NPR) into the nationwide census operation.
What Happened
In a statement shared on Facebook, Mr. Vijayan maintained that any policy attempting to tie religion to citizenship remains entirely unacceptable. Pointing to a 2018-19 Union Ministry of Home Affairs report, he highlighted that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is formulated by filtering data gathered through the NPR, establishing the register as a precursor to the NRC. On these grounds, he urged the central authorities to eliminate these specific questions from the enumeration schedule ahead of the population count scheduled in Kerala for February 2027.
Mr. Vijayan also criticised the United Democratic Front (UDF) administration in Keralam for failing to take a stand on the matter. He alleged that while the legal framework for the NRC and NPR was introduced through amendments under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government, it was initially carried out under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2010. He further recalled that during the earlier Left Democratic Front (LDF) tenure, the state government had issued an order explicitly confirming that the NPR would not be implemented in the state.
Key Highlights
- Mr. Vijayan objected to Census 2027 queries gathering details on the religion and place of birth of citizens’ parents.
- He asserted that the Union government is seeking to intertwine the Census with the National Population Register (NPR).
- Reference was made to a 2018-19 Home Ministry report describing the NPR as a preparatory step for the NRC.
- The population enumeration phase of Census 2027 is slated to take place in Kerala in February 2027.
- Mr. Vijayan questioned the current UDF state government’s silence, alleging prior historical involvement by the Congress during the 2010 UPA government.
- He called upon secular groups to resist attempts by the Sangh Parivar targeting specific sections of society.
Why This Matters
The objections highlight ongoing political contention regarding citizenship documentation and state-level implementation of demographic surveys. By linking the reported questionnaire entries to earlier Home Ministry records concerning the NPR and NRC, the opposition leader argues that the current census format departs from routine enumeration and poses wider citizenship-related implications.
What to Watch Next
The population enumeration phase for Census 2027 is slated to be held in Kerala in February 2027. Observers will be monitoring whether the Union government responds to demands to modify the questionnaire and whether the Keralam state government issues any formal stance regarding the enumeration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific queries objected to in the Census 2027 questionnaire?
The objections focus on questions that reportedly ask for information regarding the religion and place of birth of an individual’s parents.
Why is the NPR linked to the Census in this context?
According to Mr. Vijayan, citing a 2018-19 Home Ministry report, data from the NPR serves as a preparatory base for the NRC, leading to concerns that census questionnaires are incorporating NPR mechanisms.
When is the Census 2027 enumeration scheduled in Kerala?
The population enumeration stage of Census 2027 is scheduled to take place in Kerala in February 2027.
Source: Based on reporting published by The Hindu.