Census 2027 Enumerates Only 9 of 21 RPwD Act Disabilities; Rights Groups Demand Full Inclusion

Census 2027 Disability Question: Only 9 of 21 RPwD Act Conditions Included, Critics Warn of Undercount

The Census 2027 disability question includes only 9 out of 21 conditions recognized under the RPwD Act 2016, excluding autism, specific learning disabilities, and others. Experts warn this will lead to a severe undercount, misallocation of funds, and invisibility of disabled persons, especially in remote areas where diagnosis infrastructure is lacking.

Govt to SC: Only Parliament Can Extend Creamy Layer to SC/ST; Cites Article 341, E V Chinnaiah Case

The government has told the Supreme Court that extending the creamy layer principle to SC/ST is a policy decision for Parliament alone. This reaffirms that reservation for SC/ST is based on historical social criteria, not just economic status, and the creamy layer concept currently applies only to OBCs.

RGI Adopts Open-Ended Caste Census Format; 46.7 Lakh Names Expected as in 2011

The Registrar General of India has decided to use an open-ended question for the caste census, avoiding a drop-down menu. This mirrors the 2011 SECC format that produced 46.7 lakh unverified caste names, raising concerns about data quality. The decision comes amid political pressure and RSS opposition to using state lists.

Task Force Recommends Inflation-Adjusted Relief Hike, Counselling Under SC/ST Act

A government task force has recommended major changes to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, including inflation-indexed relief hikes, mandatory counselling, and 24-hour FIR reporting. Separately, the NCST has proposed legal safeguards to protect tribal livelihoods during land disputes and curb counter FIRs. These proposals are critical for aspirants as they touch upon the SC/ST Act, a high-yield topic for Prelims and Mains in Polity and Social Justice.

Census 2027: 40 Questions Cleared for Enumeration, Including Caste and Aadhaar Details

The Centre has formally cleared 40 specified items for the Census 2027 Household Schedule, including politically sensitive questions on caste and Aadhaar details. This is not just a data exercise — it will shape demographic planning, welfare targeting, and social policy, making it a high-yield current affairs topic for exams.

Census 2027 Population Enumeration Begins: 13 New Questions on Father, Mother, Birthplace Added

The Census 2027 population enumeration phase begins next month with 13 new or modified questions, including details of father, mother, and birthplace. This reflects the state's evolving priorities from colonial governance to welfare delivery, urbanisation, and social identity recognition.

Delhi HC Quashes Railway Board Decision, Upholds UDID Card for 45% Locomotor Disability

The Delhi High Court has set aside the Railway Board's cancellation of a UPSC ESE candidate's candidature, ruling that a valid UDID card certifying 45% locomotor disability cannot be overruled by a medical board. This judgment reinforces the legal sanctity of disability certificates under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and is a landmark for PwD recruitment in government services.

Census 2027 Questionnaire: 14 New Questions, 8 Link to NPR, Trigger CAA-NRC Controversy

The Census 2027 questionnaire has reignited the CAA-NRC controversy by including 8 questions from the NPR schedule, raising concerns over privacy and citizenship verification. This is crucial for exams as it tests understanding of the NPR, NRC, CAA linkage, and constitutional provisions on citizenship.