{"id":27311,"date":"2024-08-10T17:47:26","date_gmt":"2024-08-10T12:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=27311"},"modified":"2024-08-10T18:05:55","modified_gmt":"2024-08-10T12:35:55","slug":"the-perils-of-delaying-the-population-census","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/editorial-analysis\/10-08-2024\/the-perils-of-delaying-the-population-census","title":{"rendered":"The Perils of Delaying the Population Census"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Government Policy and Intervention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0cb2d8d8970fcc76e5fb15bd21ee6252\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Indian decadal Census has been delayed by more than three years now despite several concerns having been raised about the consequences of not having a Census.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>About the Census<\/strong><br>&#8211; It refers to a periodic and systematic collection of demographic, economic, and social data of a population within a specific region.\u00a0<br>&#8211; It is typically conducted by governments to gather detailed information about the population\u2019s characteristics and living conditions.<br>&#8211; The Census provides crucial data that governments, businesses, researchers, and policymakers use for various purposes such as planning public services, allocating funding, and making informed decisions.<br><strong>Census in India<\/strong><br>&#8211; The Census in India has been conducted regularly <strong>since 1871<\/strong>, and the first complete Census was conducted in 1881.<br>&#8211; Initially, the Census was <strong>primarily aimed at assessing revenue and taxation needs <\/strong>under British colonial rule.<br>&#8211; \u00a0Over time, its scope expanded to include <strong>demographic, social, and economic data.<\/strong>It is conducted under the<strong> provisions of the Census Act of 1948<\/strong>, which empowers the Government of India to conduct periodic population surveys. It outlines the <strong>procedures, responsibilities, and penalties related to census activities.<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Frequency:<\/strong> The Census of India is conducted on the <strong>Decennial Census<\/strong> (<strong>interval of every ten years), <\/strong>meaning it takes place every ten years.<br>1. The most recent Censuses were conducted in 2011.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-acdb016ece000d4df0db50ca8c37eb2f\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><strong>Why does the Census matter beyond mere numbers?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Beyond Headcounts:<\/strong> The Census is not just about tallying heads; it encompasses a wide range of crucial information. It provides <strong>insights into locational patterns, familial structures, and individual characteristics<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Imagine it as a snapshot of our society\u2014a comprehensive view that helps us understand the changing dynamics of our population.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reliability of Surveys:<\/strong> Large-scale surveys, such as the <strong>National Family Health Survey<\/strong> and the <strong>Periodic Labour Force Survey<\/strong>, rely on a Census frame that is now one and a half decades old.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using outdated data affects the reliability and representativeness of these surveys. We need fresh information to make informed decisions about education, occupation, employment, health (including the impact of COVID-19), and livelihoods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Course Correction and Strategy:<\/strong> Over the past fifteen years, India has undergone significant transformations. These changes extend beyond population size and composition. We\u2019ve witnessed shifts in education, employment patterns, and health outcomes.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Without a current Census, our strategies for development and welfare risk being misaligned. It\u2019s like trying to navigate without a compass\u2014possible, but not advisable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Political Echoes and Caste Census:<\/strong> There\u2019s a universal echo for conducting a caste-based Census, often driven by political motives rather than genuine development planning.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>However, this focus on caste alone misses the broader utility of a Census. It\u2019s not just about politics; it\u2019s about understanding our society comprehensively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0d4638e858fef3e8e7a640fd0d3bb245\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><strong>Importance of Census in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Understanding Demographics:<\/strong> The census provides a snapshot of India\u2019s demographic structure. It tells us how many of us there are, where we live, our age groups, gender distribution, and more. It is crucial for <strong>policymakers, researchers, and social planners.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resource Allocation:<\/strong> Governments allocate <strong>resources based on population data. <\/strong>Whether it\u2019s building schools, hospitals, or roads, decisions hinge on accurate population figures. It helps distribute funds fairly across states and regions.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For instance, if a state has a rapidly growing population, it needs more schools and healthcare facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tracking Progress: <\/strong>Decade by decade, the census paints a canvas of India\u2019s journey. One can see improvements in <strong>literacy rates, healthcare access, and gender ratios.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Planning for the Future:<\/strong> By analysing trends from past censuses, demographers predict future population growth. It informs <strong>urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental policies.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social Justice and Equity:<\/strong> The census ensures that marginalised communities aren\u2019t left behind. It captures data on <strong>caste, religion, and other social parameters. <\/strong>It helps identify disparities and design affirmative action policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Political Representation:<\/strong> The census plays a very important role in <strong>redrawing-of-constituency maps<\/strong>. It determines how many seats each state gets in the Lok Sabha. Accurate population data <strong>ensures fair representation.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-320a07c666137666974d00ac1dd67dff\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><strong>Why is the Census Delaying?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When it comes to the decennial Census\u2014the grand national headcount that shapes our understanding of demographics, social structures, and resource allocation\u2014time is of the essence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a situation where the Census, originally slated for 2021, remains in limbo due to delays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Centre\u2019s decision not to extend the deadline<\/strong> for freezing administrative boundaries beyond June 30, 2024, raised hopes that the Census operations would finally kick off in October 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Budget for 2024-25<\/strong> allocated a mere \u20b91,309.46 crore for the Census\u2014a <strong>significant reduction<\/strong> from the \u20b93,768 crore allocated in 2021-22.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It hints that the <strong>Census might not happen anytime soon<\/strong>, even after considerable delay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a3d1f35309214c1f540bc459de5b6c48\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><strong>Does Delaying the Census Matter?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Access to Welfare Schemes:<\/strong> Conducting the Census on a priority basis is non-negotiable. Since the last Census in 2011, our population has grown, and so have the needs of our citizens.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Access to government welfare schemes\u2014ranging from healthcare to education to employment\u2014is often tied to Census data. Without an updated Census, many remain excluded from these crucial benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Women\u2019s Reservation Act:<\/strong> It aims to reserve<strong> 33% of seats in both Parliament and State Assemblies for women<\/strong>. However, its implementation hinges on accurate Census data. Until we count heads and households anew, this transformative legislation remains in a holding pattern.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic Well-Being of Marginalised Communities:<\/strong> There\u2019s a growing demand for a caste-based Census. Precisely understanding the economic well-being of marginalised communities requires granular data. Without it, <strong>targeted policies and affirmative action<\/strong> become shots in the dark.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95b28b0b7e2365d02a89208818e641c0\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><strong>Urgency<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Missing the 2021 Census cannot be justified<\/strong>, especially when we managed to hold a general election amidst uncertainties. The machinery required for a Census is comparable to that of an election.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Delaying it further seems more like avoidance than a logistical challenge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Demographic Transition and Dividend: <\/strong>India is experiencing rapid demographic changes. A population Census is essential to reveal these shifts, including familial structures, occupational distributions, and geographical patterns.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Without this data, monitoring the success of government programs becomes misleading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f67aa2e60c67ab9d5a11c553bb832c89\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><strong>Conclusion and Way Forward: What Needs to Happen?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Budgetary Provisions:<\/strong> The 2025-26 Census Budget must be robust enough to accommodate the postponed 2021 Census. We need to allocate resources for house listing, housing census, and updating the <strong>National Population Register (NPR).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preliminary Preparations:<\/strong> Thankfully, groundwork has been underway. State and Union Territory Census Directorates have been prepping\u2014updating maps, testing questionnaires, and training staff. Once the new Census date is fixed, they\u2019re ready to roll. A quick refresher training is all they need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital Census:<\/strong> The future is digital. Collecting Census data via mobile apps streamlines the process. The \u20b91,309.46 crore in the 2024-25 budget could fund essential preliminary activities, including finalising enumeration areas, refining questionnaires, and training core staff for the digital shift.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Census isn\u2019t just about numbers or just a bureaucratic exercise;<\/strong> it\u2019s about <strong>empowerment, equity, informed policymaking, <\/strong>and the <strong>pulse of our nation.<\/strong> Let\u2019s prioritise it, come what may. Our nation\u2019s well-being depends on it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Daily Mains Practice Question<\/strong><br><strong>[Q]<\/strong> Is the absence of a recent population census a critical impediment to effective governance and policymaking in India? Can alternative data sources of population count adequately fill the gap?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/no-population-census-in-the-dark-without-vital-data\/article68506772.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source: TH<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-round\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Daily-Editorial-Analysis-10-08-2024.pdf\">Download PDF<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Indian decadal Census has been delayed by more than three years now despite several concerns having been raised about the consequences of not having a Census.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27311","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-editorial-analysis"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27311","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27311"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27311\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27315,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27311\/revisions\/27315"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27311"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27311"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}