Syllabus: GS2/Polity & Governance; Government Policies & Interventions
Context
- India’s upcoming Census 2027 is a cornerstone for economic planning and governance that aims to provide crucial data that influences everything from inflation tracking to urban development.
| Census in India – It is a survey of the population of an area that includes collecting details of a country’s demographics including age, sex and occupation. – It serves as the statistical foundation for all surveys and policymaking in India. – It is typically conducted every ten years (decennial) to update the National Population Register (NPR). – History: 1st Decennial Census: 1881, under WC Plowden (Census Commissioner of India). 1. Independent India’s 1st Census: 1951 – Constitutional & Legal Mandates: Article 246 (7th Schedule Union List i.e, Census is Union subject). 1. 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. Census 2027 – Earlier Census was scheduled for 2021 but had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic. – Now, Census 2027 will be India’s first digital Census and will be the first Census since 1931 to capture granular caste data, beyond the broader classifications of SCs and STs. – The Delimitation of Constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is to be carried out on the basis of the next Census. 1. There is a need to pass a Delimitation Act by Parliament to constitute a Delimitation Commission for the delimitation exercise.Article 82 of the Constitution mandates readjustment of seats after every Census. |
Importance of Census
- Statistical Foundation: Census collects data on age, gender, employment, education, migration, and economic status, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation.
- It helps policymakers understand how India has changed over the past 16 years and predict future trends.
- Inflation Control & Monetary Policy: The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks inflation, relies on Census-based consumption patterns.
- Outdated Census data can lead to miscalculations in inflation, affecting interest rates and economic growth.
- Urban Planning, Migration & Infrastructure Development: The Census provides insights into migration trends, and helps governments plan housing, transportation, and employment policies by analyzing migration trends and population density.
- It ensures cities can accommodate growing populations efficiently.
- For example, if a village lacks piped water or has poor electrification, the data flags it for priority under schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission or Saubhagya Yojana.
- Welfare & Social Programs: Government schemes like food security, healthcare, and education subsidies depend on Census data to identify eligible beneficiaries.
- Delays in Census updates can result in inefficient resource allocation and exclusion of deserving individuals.
- Accurate population data ensures that programs like PM-KISAN, MGNREGS, and rural housing schemes reach the right beneficiaries.
- Employment & Labor Market Trends: Census data provides insights into workforce distribution, unemployment rates, and skill gaps, helping policymakers design job creation strategies and vocational training programs.
- Political & Economic Representation: The Census influences delimitation, which determines seat distribution in Parliament based on population shifts.
- It affects regional representation and economic resource allocation.
- Private Sector & Investment Decisions: Businesses rely on Census data to assess market demand, consumer behavior, and workforce availability, guiding investment strategies and expansion plans.
Challenges & Hurdles
- Delayed or Outdated Data: The delay in conducting the next one has created a data vacuum, making it difficult to design policies that reflect current realities like urban migration, changing family structures, or economic shifts.
- Political Influence and Data Integrity: Census data can be politicized, especially when it involves sensitive topics like caste or religion.
- The framing of questions or selective data release can skew public perception and policy priorities.
- Undercounting and Non-Response: Certain populations—like migrant workers, the homeless, or marginalized communities—are often undercounted due to mobility, lack of documentation, or mistrust in government processes.
- It leads to inequitable resource allocation.
- Data Quality and Accuracy: Errors in data collection, processing, or self-reporting can compromise the accuracy of Census results.
- For example, self-declared data in schemes like eShram may not reflect actual conditions.
- Privacy Concerns: People may hesitate to share personal information due to privacy fears, especially in the digital age.
- It can result in incomplete or inaccurate responses, affecting the reliability of the data.
- Information Overload: Ironically, having too much data can be a problem. Policymakers may struggle to extract actionable insights from massive datasets, especially if the data isn’t well-organized or lacks interoperability across departments.
Looking Ahead
- With digital data collection and advanced technology, the Census aims to be more efficient and accurate than previous editions.
- If conducted effectively, it will provide critical insights that shape India’s economic policies, inflation control, and urban development for the next decade.
- Success of Census 2027 will determine how well India adapts to changing demographics and economic challenges in the years ahead.
| Daily Mains Practice Question [Q] Discuss how the upcoming Census can influence India’s economic planning and development, particularly in the context of changing demographic trends and technological advancements. |
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