India is poised to initiate its long-awaited national census, as announced by Interior Minister Amit Shah. This crucial demographic survey, typically conducted every decade, has faced a significant delay of approximately three years.
The census, originally scheduled for 2021, encountered setbacks due to the global pandemic and various technical and logistical challenges. This postponement has created a notable gap in essential data collection, which the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to address during his third term.
According to reports, the census process is expected to commence this month and will likely span about 18 months to complete. This extensive timeframe reflects the monumental task of gathering data across India's vast and diverse population.
India's census has a rich history dating back to 1872 when it was first conducted under British rule. Since 1881, it has been a decennial event, providing crucial insights into the nation's demographic landscape. The 2011 census, for instance, recorded a population of 1.21 billion, showcasing India's rapid growth.
The upcoming census holds particular significance as India is projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country in 2023. This survey will cover 28 states and 8 union territories, involving over 2 million officials in the data collection process.
"The census is a mammoth exercise that provides invaluable data for policy-making and resource allocation. We are committed to conducting a comprehensive and accurate survey despite the delays."
The census collects a wide range of information, including demographics, socio-economic conditions, and housing details. In recent years, it has expanded to include modern parameters such as mobile phone ownership, computer usage, and internet access.
Interestingly, the census data remains confidential for 72 years before being made public, ensuring privacy while preserving historical records for future generations. This practice underscores the long-term significance of the data collected.
The forthcoming census is expected to shed light on critical trends, such as changes in literacy rates and gender ratios. For context, the 2011 census revealed an improvement in India's literacy rate from 64.8% in 2001 to 74.04%, and an increase in the sex ratio from 933 females per 1000 males to 943.
As India prepares for this monumental task, the government faces the challenge of ensuring accuracy and comprehensiveness in data collection, especially given the extended gap since the last census. The results of this survey will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping India's policies and development strategies for years to come.