Government Opts for Open-Column Method Over OBC Lists in 2027 Census Caste Enumeration
The Union government decided against using Central and State OBC lists for caste enumeration in the 2027 Census, citing that these lists represent classes rather than castes, which complicates accurate counting. Instead, an open-column method will be used for all castes except Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. OBC groups and opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have criticized this approach, arguing that existing lists should be refined rather than discarded to ensure precise caste data collection.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 0%, Centre 100%, Right 0%). Overall sentiment is neutral (41/100). Lens Score 57/100.
Outlets measured: thehindu, thehindu. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
All 2 outlets scored close to centre on political lean. The real divergence here is in emphasis, not lean — compare the headlines below to see how each outlet chose to frame the same facts.
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (32–50/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
thehindu broke this story on 3 Sept, 04:49 pm. Other outlets followed.