Delaying Census & Its Impacts

Syllabus: GS2/Government Policy and Intervention

Context

• There is growing demand for a caste-based census to be conducted by the Centre to precisely understand the economic well-being of the marginalised communities.

About the Census

• It refers to a periodic and systematic collection of demographic, economic, and social data of a population within a specific region. 
• It is typically conducted by governments to gather detailed information about the population’s characteristics and living conditions.
• The Census provides crucial data that governments, businesses, researchers, and policymakers use for various purposes such as planning public services, allocating funding, and making informed decisions.

Census in India

• The Census in India has been conducted regularly since 1871, and the first complete Census was conducted in 1881.
• Initially, the Census was primarily aimed at assessing revenue and taxation needs under British colonial rule. 
• Over time, its scope expanded to include demographic, social, and economic data.
• It is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act of 1948, which empowers the Government of India to conduct periodic population surveys. It outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and penalties related to census activities.
• Frequency: The Census of India is conducted on the Decennial Census (interval of every ten years), meaning it takes place every ten years.
  • The most recent Censuses were conducted in 2011.

Importance of Census in India

• Understanding Demographics: The census provides a snapshot of India’s demographic structure. It tells us how many of us there are, where we live, our age groups, gender distribution, and more. It is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and social planners.
• Resource Allocation: Governments allocate resources based on population data. Whether it’s building schools, hospitals, or roads, decisions hinge on accurate population figures. It helps distribute funds fairly across states and regions.
  • For instance, if a state has a rapidly growing population, it needs more schools and healthcare facilities.
• Tracking Progress: Decade by decade, the census paints a canvas of India’s journey. One can see improvements in literacy rates, healthcare access, and gender ratios.
• Planning for the Future: By analysing trends from past censuses, demographers predict future population growth. It informs urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental policies.
• Social Justice and Equity: The census ensures that marginalised communities aren’t left behind. It captures data on caste, religion, and other social parameters. It helps identify disparities and design affirmative action policies.
• Political Representation: The census plays a very important role in redrawing-of-constituency maps. It determines how many seats each state gets in the Lok Sabha. Accurate population data ensures fair representation.

Delaying of Census

• When it comes to the decennial Census—the grand national headcount that shapes our understanding of demographics, social structures, and resource allocation—time is of the essence.
• Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a situation where the Census, originally slated for 2021, remains in limbo due to delays.

Waiting Game

• The Centre’s decision not to extend the deadline for freezing administrative boundaries beyond June 30, 2024, raised hopes that the Census operations would finally kick off in October 2024.
• The Budget for 2024-25 allocated a mere ₹1,309.46 crore for the Census—a significant reduction from the ₹3,768 crore allocated in 2021-22.
  • It hints that the Census might not happen anytime soon, even after considerable delay.

Why Does It Matter?

• Access to Welfare Schemes: Conducting the Census on a priority basis is non-negotiable. Since the last Census in 2011, our population has grown, and so have the needs of our citizens.
  • Access to government welfare schemes—ranging from healthcare to education to employment—is often tied to Census data. Without an updated Census, many remain excluded from these crucial benefits.
• Women’s Reservation Act: It aims to reserve 33% of seats in both Parliament and State Assemblies for women. However, its implementation hinges on accurate Census data. Until we count heads and households anew, this transformative legislation remains in a holding pattern.
• Economic Well-Being of Marginalised Communities: There’s a growing demand for a caste-based Census. Precisely understanding the economic well-being of marginalised communities requires granular data. Without it, targeted policies and affirmative action become shots in the dark.

Conclusion and Way Forward: What Needs to Happen?

• Budgetary Provisions: The 2025-26 Census Budget must be robust enough to accommodate the postponed 2021 Census. We need to allocate resources for house listing, housing census, and updating the National Population Register (NPR).
• Preliminary Preparations: Thankfully, groundwork has been underway. State and Union Territory Census Directorates have been prepping—updating maps, testing questionnaires, and training staff. Once the new Census date is fixed, they’re ready to roll. A quick refresher training is all they need.
• Digital Census: The future is digital. Collecting Census data via mobile apps streamlines the process. The ₹1,309.46 crore in the 2024-25 budget could fund essential preliminary activities, including finalising enumeration areas, refining questionnaires, and training core staff for the digital shift.
• The Census isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowerment, equity, and informed policymaking. Let’s prioritise it, come what may. Our nation’s well-being depends on it.