Context

• The decennial Census in India, a crucial exercise for understanding the nation's demographic and socio-economic landscape, has been significantly delayed.
• Despite the recent deadline of June 30, 2024, to freeze administrative boundaries, the anticipated start in October 2024 seems uncertain, especially given the reduced budget allocation for 2024-25.
• Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore the necessity of the Census, the preparatory steps involved, and the political and social complexities surrounding its execution.

The Importance of Conducting the Census

• Informed Policy-Making and Planning
  • The Census provides granular data on the population’s size, distribution, and composition.
  • This data is vital for informed decision-making and strategic planning at all levels of government.
  • Policies related to healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure rely heavily on accurate demographic information.
  • Without current data, planning becomes guesswork, potentially leading to misallocation of resources and ineffective policies.
• Equitable Distribution of Resources
  • Government schemes and welfare programs are designed based on population data to ensure resources reach those in need.
  • Programs such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and various health and education initiatives are all dependent on accurate Census data.
  • The absence of updated Census data since 2011 means that many programs may not be effectively targeting the intended beneficiaries, resulting in inequities and inefficiencies.
• Implementation of Legislative Acts
  • The Women’s Reservation Act, which mandates reserving 33% of seats in Parliament and Assemblies for women, is a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing gender representation in politics.
  • The implementation of this Act requires up-to-date demographic data to accurately determine the constituencies and seats to be reserved.
  • Without a current Census, the execution of such important legislative measures remains stalled.
• Understanding Social Dynamics
  • The Census provides insights into various social indicators such as literacy rates, employment patterns, and household composition.
  • These indicators are essential for understanding the socio-economic conditions of different communities.
  • For instance, data on literacy rates can help in designing targeted educational interventions, while employment data can guide job creation policies.
• National Security and Emergency Planning
  • Accurate population data is crucial for national security and disaster management.
  • In times of natural disasters, pandemics, or other emergencies, knowing the population's size and distribution helps in efficient resource allocation and emergency response.
  • For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, accurate demographic data was essential for vaccine distribution and healthcare planning.
• Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development
  • Rapid urbanisation in India necessitates detailed planning for cities and towns and the Census data helps in understanding migration patterns, urban growth, and housing needs.
  • This information is critical for developing infrastructure projects such as roads, public transportation, water supply, and sanitation facilities.
  • Effective urban planning based on accurate data can significantly improve the quality of life for urban residents.
• Economic Analysis and Development
  • The economic profile of a population, including income levels, employment status, and occupational patterns, is crucial for economic planning and development.
  • Census data supports economic analyses that inform policies on taxation, subsidies, and economic incentives.
  • It also aids in identifying areas that require economic development initiatives to boost local economies and reduce disparities.
• Social Justice and Inclusion
  • The Census plays a key role in promoting social justice by identifying marginalized and vulnerable groups.
  • Data on Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes is essential for implementing affirmative action policies and ensuring these groups receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to.
  • Additionally, understanding the socio-economic conditions of these groups helps in designing programs to uplift them and promote inclusivity.
• Tracking Progress and Setting Benchmarks
  • The Census allows for the tracking of progress over time by providing a baseline against which future data can be compared.
  • This helps in evaluating the effectiveness of policies and programs and making necessary adjustments.
  • Setting benchmarks based on Census data ensures that development goals are realistic and measurable.

Preparatory Steps for the Census

• Preparations for the Census involve meticulous planning and execution. It typically takes about three months after the boundaries are set to prepare for fieldwork.
• Preliminary arrangements include updating maps and lists of administrative areas, pre-testing draft Census questionnaires, and training officers and core staff.
• The transition to a digital Census, using mobile apps for data collection, further necessitates extensive training and logistical planning.
• Despite the delay, Census Directorates in States and Union Territories have been actively preparing, ensuring that they can commence operations swiftly once the new date is fixed.

Complexities Surrounding the Execution of Census

• Budgetary Constraints and Delays
  • The recent allocation of ₹1,309.46 crore for the Census in the 2024-25 budget, a significant reduction from the ₹3,768 crore allocated in 2021-22, raises concerns about the feasibility of conducting the Census even in 2024.
  • This reduced budget allocation indicates potential further delays, pushing the exercise beyond its already overdue schedule.
  • However, this allocation can still be utilised for essential preparatory activities such as firming up enumeration areas, finalising questionnaires, and providing refresher training for core staff.
• Political and Social Complexities
  • Several political and social issues complicate the execution of the Census. One major concern is the update of the National Population Register (NPR) during the first phase of the Census.
  • The draft NPR form includes questions on “mother tongue, place of birth of father and mother, and last place of residence,” which were absent in the 2011 Census.
  • These additions have been met with opposition from some States and citizen groups, as the NPR is seen as a precursor to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), raising fears of potential exclusions and discrimination.
• Subsequent Clarification on NPR
  • To create a comprehensive database of usual residents in the country, the NPR with details of persons usually residing in villages and towns and other rural and urban areas was first prepared in 2010 during the House listing and Housing Census phase of Census 2011.
  • It was updated in 2015 incorporating changes due to birth, death, and migration. This process was put through under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
  • The Centre has clarified that NPR data will not be used for the NRC, but it must decide whether to retain these contentious questions in the NPR format.
• The Growing Demand of Caste-Based Census
  • There is growing demand for a caste-based Census to understand the economic well-being of marginalised communities.
  • However, the Union Government, in a 2021 affidavit to the Supreme Court, deemed a caste Census (except for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) as administratively difficult and cumbersome.
  • This decision is critical as it affects the socio-economic policies aimed at addressing caste-based inequalities.

Conclusion

• The delay in conducting India’s decennial Census has far-reaching implications for policy-making and socio-economic planning.
• While preparatory steps have been taken, budgetary constraints and political complexities pose significant challenges.
• The government must prioritise the Census to ensure equitable access to schemes and services and to facilitate the implementation of critical legislation like the Women’s Reservation Act.