Census of India to Begin in 2025

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The government plans to begin the long-delayed Census in 2025, which will be followed by delimitation of Lok Sabha seats.

About

• The census, typically conducted every ten years to update the National Population Register (NPR), was scheduled for 2021 but had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
• The delimitation of constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is to be carried out on the basis of the first Census after 2026.

Census in India

• A census is a survey of the population of an area that includes collecting details of a country’s demographics including age, sex and occupation.
• History: Under W.C. Plowden, the Census Commissioner of India, the first synchronous decennial (every ten years) census was conducted in 1881.
• Independent India’s first census was held in 1951 and since then it has happened in the first year of every decade.
• The Constitution mandates that enumeration is carried out but the Census of India Act of 1948 does not specify its timing or periodicity.
• The population census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Need for the Census

• Accurate Population Data: A reliable population count is fundamental for planning and managing various national and state projects, from healthcare to infrastructure.
• Socio-Economic Insights: Census data on literacy, income, occupation, and housing conditions highlights social challenges and allows for targeted interventions.
• Evaluating Development Progress: Comparing census data over decades helps assess the effectiveness of past policies, guiding future strategies.
• Environmental Planning: The Census provides insights into human settlements and demographic pressures, supporting environmental sustainability efforts.

Benefits of Census

• Informed Policy Making: The Census provides detailed socio-economic data, helping the government make informed decisions on issues like education, healthcare, housing, employment, and infrastructure.
• Resource Allocation: Accurate population data ensures fair distribution of resources across states, especially in sectors like public health, education, and welfare.
• Electoral Reforms and Delimitation: Census data directly impacts the delimitation of constituencies, ensuring fair representation in Parliament and State Legislatures.

Way Ahead

• Updated Data for Post-Covid Recovery: Since the last Census was in 2011, population dynamics have shifted, making updated data essential to address changes in economic and social structures.
• Delimitation Requirements: With the delimitation process slated post-2026, it’s crucial to have accurate, current population data to ensure fair representation based on updated demographics.