India’s delayed census

The implementation of the women's quota is tied to the delimitation exercise, which in turn will be based on the first census after 2026.

• Since 2021 Census delayed due to the pandemic there is no progress yet in the matter.

What is census?

• Population Census is the total process of collecting, compiling, analyzing and disseminating demographic, economic and social data pertaining, at a specific time, of all persons in a country or a well-defined part of a country.
• It also provides the trends in population characteristics.

Nodal Ministry:

• The decennial Census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Until 1951, the Census Organisation was set up on an ad-hoc basis for each Census.

Why a census is necessary?

• Source of Information: Researchers and Demographers use census data to analyze growth and trends of population and make projections.
• Good Governance: The data collected through the census is used for administration, planning and policy making as well as management and evaluation of various programmes by the Government.
• Demarcation: Census data is also used for demarcation of constituencies and allocation of representation to Parliament, State legislative assemblies and the local bodies.
• Better Access for Businesses: The census data is also important for business houses and industries for strengthening and planning their business for penetration into areas, which had hitherto remained, uncovered.
• Giving Grants: Finance Commission provides grants to the states on the basis of population figures available from the Census data.

Legal/Constitutional Backing:

• Census is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.
• The bill for this Act was piloted by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister of India.
• The population census is a Union subject under Article 246 of India Constitution.
• It is listed at serial number 69 of the seventh schedule of the constitution.

What is the present scenario of using data for Policy making?

• Every government department has an MIS system, each one follows its own set of data standards, definitions etc. which comparability becomes a huge problem.
• Whereas in the census, the data is comparable across the country and over time.

How delayed data collections affect people?

• Data and the statistical system: Census is crucial for the country's statistical system because surveys and samples rely on it to represent the population accurately.
• Delays in census can distort the picture and make survey data less reliable, affecting the quality of statistical information.
• Lack of adequate data for tax collection: Population projections rely on fertility and mortality data but often lack reliable migration data, leading to challenges in policymaking regarding housing and tax distribution.
• Most of India's migration occurs within states and districts, not between countries, which has significant policy implications.
• Affecting elderly population: Lack of timely census data affects mortality statistics, hindering the ability to address aging-related challenges and formulate accurate policies like old-age pension requirements.
• Affecting Private sector: The private sector, including industries like insurance, heavily relies on census data for various purposes, including market studies.
• Census is considered a public good and its absence results in more extensive and expensive market surveys by private firms.
• Census serves as a benchmark for private surveys, ensuring rigorously collected and large-scale data in a diverse country like India.