THE CONTEXT: The delay in conducting India’s decennial census, initially scheduled for 2021, has raised concerns about its impact on policymaking and resource allocation. With the latest budget allocation indicating further postponement, there is an urgent need to prioritize this critical exercise.
THE ISSUES:
- Significant delay in conducting the Census: The 2021 Census has been postponed multiple times since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2024, no fixed schedule has been announced for conducting the Census. The last Census was conducted in 2011, meaning India has gone over 12 years without updated population data.
- Reduced budget allocation, indicating further delays: Budget 2024-25 allocated only ₹1,309.46 crore for the Census. This is a significant reduction from ₹3,768 crore allocated in 2021-22. The reduced allocation suggests the Census may not be conducted even in 2024
- Impact on access to government schemes and services: The lack of updated Census data since 2011 means most of India’s population cannot access several schemes, benefits, and services. Accurate population data is crucial for effective policy planning and implementation.
- Delay in implementing the Women’s Reservation Act: The Act reserving 33% of seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies was passed in 2023. Its implementation awaits updated Census data for the delimitation of constituencies.
- Preparedness of Census machinery: Census Directorates in states have been making preliminary arrangements for years. Activities like updating maps, pre-testing questionnaires, training staff, etc., have been ongoing. The Tamil Nadu Census Directorate indicated readiness to conduct the Census once dates are fixed.
- The debate over including caste data in the Census: There is a growing demand for a caste-based Census to understand the economic status of marginalized communities. In 2021, the government stated in the Supreme Court that a caste census was unfeasible and “administratively difficult.” The government must decide whether to collect caste information in the next Census.
- NPR Controversies: The draft National Population Register (NPR) form includes new questions, such as “mother tongue, place of birth of father and mother, and last place of residence,” which has faced opposition from some states and citizen groups due to concerns about its potential use in creating a National Register of Citizens (NRC).
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Conduct a digital-first census in 2025: The government could leverage technology to conduct a primarily digital census in 2025, reducing reliance on in-person enumeration. The 2021 Census was planned to be India’s first digital census, with a mobile app for data collection. Countries like the US successfully conducted digital censuses during the pandemic.
- Implement a phased census approach: The census could be conducted over 1-2 years, starting with urban areas in 2024 and rural areas in 2025. Brazil successfully used a phased approach for its 2022 census, conducting it over several months to address pandemic-related challenges. A phased approach allows for better resource allocation and addresses logistical challenges in different regions.
- Use alternative data sources to bridge the gap: Data from surveys like the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and economic surveys should be utilized to inform policy decisions until the full census is conducted. The National Statistical Commission has recommended That data from multiple surveys be integrated to provide interim insights for policy planning until the census is completed.
- Conduct a limited census focused on essential indicators: Prioritize collecting data on key demographic and socioeconomic indicators to inform critical policy decisions. A limited census focusing on essential indicators could provide crucial data for governance while being more feasible to execute in the short term.
- Decentralize census operations with state-level coordination: Empower states to conduct census operations with central coordination to expedite the process. The Supreme Court in Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms (2002) emphasized the importance of decentralization in governance. Decentralized census operations, with states taking the lead under central guidelines, could accelerate the process while addressing regional nuances.
THE CONCLUSION:
Conducting the census is imperative for evidence-based policymaking and inclusive development. The government must clarify the timeline and address contentious issues to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive census that will serve as a foundation for policymaking in the coming years.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q. Two parallel-run schemes of the government, viz., the Adhaar Card and NPR, one voluntary and the other compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and litigations. On merits, discuss whether both schemes need to run concurrently. Analyze the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth. 2014
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. The decennial Census in India has been significantly delayed, with implications for policymaking and implementation of key legislation. Discuss the importance of prioritizing the Census and the challenges in carrying out a caste-based enumeration. Suggest measures to address these challenges while ensuring an accurate and comprehensive Census.
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