Read more: Census of India 2025
The Census of India is a monumental exercise that has shaped the nation’s governance, policy-making, and resource allocation for over 150 years. Conducted every decade since 1951, it offers critical insights into the demographic, economic, and social characteristics of the population. However, the scheduled 2021 Census was postponed for the first time in history due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interrupting its 150-year tradition. The next Census is now slated for 2025, carrying immense implications for governance and resource planning.
- The Census provides accurate population data, serving as the backbone for planning and implementing national projects in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. It ensures resources are directed toward areas of greatest need.
- Socio-economic data, such as literacy rates, income levels, and housing conditions, highlight social disparities and help shape targeted policy interventions.
- By comparing data from previous Censuses, the government can evaluate the progress of past development programs and recalibrate future strategies.
- Environmental planning benefits from Census data, which assesses demographic pressures on natural resources, enabling sustainable development in urban and rural areas.
How Has the Census Evolved Over Time?
The Indian Census, among the oldest and most comprehensive in the world, was first conducted in 1872 during British rule. It became synchronized across all regions in 1881. Since independence, the Census has been conducted every decade, starting from 1951. The data is managed by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- The Census of India Act, 1948, provides the framework for conducting the Census but does not mandate a specific timeline. Traditionally, it occurs every ten years.
- Extensive data is collected on household composition, literacy, occupation, amenities, and socio-economic conditions. The upcoming Census includes 31 questions, capturing details such as the main source of drinking water, type of cooking fuel, and access to sanitation facilities.
- The Census serves as a critical source for delimitation of constituencies, impacting political representation. Article 82 of the Constitution mandates that constituency boundaries be adjusted based on Census data. However, delimitation has been frozen since the 1971 Census and may resume after 2026.
What Are the Features of the Upcoming Census?
The 2025 Census promises significant updates and technological advancements to improve the accuracy and efficiency of data collection.
- For the first time, a digital Census will be introduced, enabling citizens to self-enumerate through an online portal. This aims to streamline the process and reduce logistical hurdles.
- Enhanced data collection will include information on household amenities, access to technology, types of transportation owned, and housing conditions, offering a detailed socio-economic profile.
- New sub-categories within the General, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) groups will be introduced, providing deeper insights into these communities.
- The Census will play a crucial role in delimitation, with potential implications for political representation, particularly between northern and southern states.
How Does the National Population Register (NPR) Relate to the Census?
The National Population Register (NPR), initially planned for an update in 2020, will now coincide with the 2025 Census. NPR records details of all residents in India and forms the foundation for the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC).
- The NRIC, mandated under the Citizenship Act of 1955, is a verified registry designed to distinguish citizens from non-citizens. This initiative gained prominence after the Subrahmanyam Committee’s recommendations following the Kargil War (1999).
- NPR collects demographic and biometric data, initiating a multi-phase process to verify citizenship. Public claims, objections, and verification steps ensure transparency and accuracy.
- Unlike Aadhaar, which is a biometric-based identity tool for all residents, the NRIC focuses exclusively on citizenship verification. While Aadhaar ensures inclusivity, the NRIC aims to document citizenship status.
What Are the Challenges of Conducting a Nationwide Census?
The delayed Census, last conducted in 2011, poses numerous challenges. With the socio-economic landscape evolving rapidly, especially post-COVID-19, there are concerns about the relevance and accuracy of existing data.
- Outdated data hampers policy decisions, particularly in areas like healthcare, employment, and resource allocation. For example, CPI weights based on outdated consumption patterns need revision.
- The introduction of a digital Census raises concerns about connectivity and technological infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where internet access is limited.
- Conducting a Caste Census remains a contentious issue. While proponents argue that it would provide critical data for reshaping affirmative action policies and welfare programs, opponents fear it could exacerbate social divisions.
Why Is There Debate Over the Caste Census?
The demand for a caste-based Census has grown louder in recent years. Historically, the Census has only recorded data on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), excluding the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
- Advocates believe caste enumeration would enable equitable resource allocation and help address social inequities. Accurate caste data could inform policies on education, employment, and welfare.
- The government has yet to take a clear stance on the issue. Concerns about social unity and potential backlash have been cited as reasons for caution.
- The debate underscores the tension between achieving social equity and maintaining social cohesion.
What Are the Implications for National Security and Governance?
The NRIC initiative has significant implications for national security and governance. By maintaining a verified citizen registry, the government aims to enhance national security, streamline identity verification, and reduce identity fraud.
- The NRIC process, however, has faced criticism for potential exclusion errors and privacy concerns. Lessons from Assam’s NRC exercise highlight the risks of stringent documentation requirements, which could disproportionately affect rural and marginalized communities.
- Robust data protection measures are essential to prevent misuse of demographic and biometric information. The Supreme Court’s guidelines on Aadhaar underscore the need for transparency and accountability.
What Are the Broader Benefits of Census Data?
The Census serves as a cornerstone of nation-building, with far-reaching implications for governance, policy formulation, and social development.
- Informed policy decisions rely on Census data to address challenges in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and welfare. Accurate data ensures resources are allocated efficiently.
- Census data supports electoral reforms, including delimitation and reservation of seats for SCs and STs, promoting fair representation in Parliament and State Legislatures.
- As a comprehensive citizen registry, the Census enables the government to respond effectively to the needs of its 1.4 billion citizens, shaping the nation’s socio-political and economic future.
Preparing for Census 2025
The 2025 Census represents a critical opportunity to update India’s demographic and socio-economic data landscape. Policymakers must address challenges related to infrastructure, privacy, and inclusion to ensure the process is transparent, efficient, and equitable. With its far-reaching implications, the upcoming Census will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s development trajectory in the decades to come.