Population Census

The Centre plans to initiate the next census, an official survey of the nation's population, in 2025 after a four-year delay and the process is expected to continue till 2026.

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 of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Until 1951, the Census Organisation was set up on an ad-hoc basis for each Census.
• Constitutional Provision:
  • 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.
• Background
  • The history of the Census began with 1800 when England had begun its Census.
  • In its continuation, a census was conducted in Allahabad (1824) and in Banaras (1827-28) by James Prinsep.
  • The first complete census of an Indian city was conducted in 1830 by Henry Walter in Dacca (now Dhaka).
  • The Second Census was conducted in 1836-37 by Fort St. George.
  • In 1849, the Government of India ordered the local governments to conduct quinquennial (five-yearly) returns of population.
  • First Non-synchronous Census: It was conducted in India in 1872 during the reign of Governor-General Lord Mayo.
  • First Synchronous Census: The first synchronous census was taken under British rule on February 17, 1881, by W.C. Plowden (Census Commissioner of India).
  • Since then, censuses have been undertaken uninterruptedly once every ten years.

What is the need of Census?

• 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.
• Urbanization and Migration Patterns: Data on migration trends, both domestic and international helps governments plan urban development and infrastructure effectively, especially in rapidly growing cities.
• Disaster Preparedness and Response: It helps governments allocate resources effectively and ensures aid reaches those most in need during emergencies.