Delay in Indias Population Census: Implications and Challenges

Indias Population:-

The Indian Census is one of the most extensive administrative exercises undertaken in the world. It is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs.  The Census is conducted every ten years, with the most recent Census undertaken in 2011.   Indias Population-Indias Population-Indias Population-Indias Population The Census is a process of identifying and counting every individual within a defined territory. It is a simultaneous effort, with each person being measured simultaneously. The Census covers the entire country and includes every person present or living within its scope. The Census provides:

• Information on the country's population's size.
• Distribution.
• Socioeconomic, demographic, and other characteristics.

It is a credible source of information on demography, economic activity, literacy and education, housing, household amenities, urbanisation, fertility, mortality, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and language. The Census was first started under British Viceroy Lord Mayo in 1872. 

Why is Census Needed?

The Census is essential for several reasons. It is the basis for reviewing the country's progress in the past decade and monitoring the ongoing schemes of the government. It also helps in planning for the future by providing the government with accurate and up-to-date data on the population. This data is used to make decisions on resource allocation and policy development.  The Census also helps identify areas of improvement in the community and frame new policies and government programs to uplift them. It is also used to understand the population's characteristics and needs, which helps design and implement various welfare programs.

How is it Conducted?

The Indian Census is conducted in two phases, the house listing phase, and the population enumeration phase. In the house listing phase, information is collected on the characteristics of the housing unit, such as the type of construction and facilities available. In the population enumeration phase, data is collected on the features of the population, such as age, gender, education, and occupation.

Postponement of Census

The Census has been postponed for the second time, which raises concerns about the accuracy of demographic data and the allocation of government resources. The postponement of the Census means that the data used for these purposes will be based on estimates rather than actual counts. As a result, the population could be underestimated, which could significantly impact the allocation of government resources. The delay in the Census also raises concerns about the accuracy of demographic data. The Census provides a detailed picture of the population, including information on age, gender, education, and occupation. This information is used by the government, businesses, and researchers to make decisions and plan for the future. Without accurate data, there is a risk of making decisions based on incorrect assumptions, which could have negative consequences.

Reason for Delay

The COVID-19 pandemic is the primary reason for the delay in the Census. The Indian government has cited logistical challenges and the need to ensure the safety of enumerators and the public as reasons for the delay. However, the government has also allocated a large budget for the Census, reporting that Rs 8,754.23 crore was allocated, and 3.3 million enumerators were to be mobilised for data collection. India's current population contributes to 17% of the global population and is unevenly distributed across 3.28 million square kilometers of the country. The 2001 census reported that Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state in India, with a total of 166 million people.

Implications of Census Postponement

Another challenge is the allocation of government resources. In India, the Census determines the distribution of Lok Sabha seats (the lower house of parliament) and the percentage of government funds for various programs and initiatives. The postponement of the Census means that the data used for these purposes will be based on estimates rather than actual counts, which could lead to an underestimation of the population. The allocation of government resources could be significantly affected by this.   Indias Population-Indias Population-Indias Population-Indias Population This leads to a misallocation of resources and potentially hinders the progress and development of specific regions and communities. The delay also raises questions about the ability of the government to conduct such a large-scale administrative exercise effectively. Furthermore, the delay in the Census also has implications for businesses and researchers who rely on the data provided by the Census to make decisions and plan for the future. Without accurate data, there is a risk of making decisions based on incorrect assumptions, which could have negative consequences. In light of these challenges, the government must address the logistical issues that caused the delay and ensure that the Census is conducted as soon as possible. This includes providing proper training and support for enumerators and implementing strict safety measures to protect them and the public during the pandemic. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure that the data collected is accurate and reliable to avoid any negative impact on the allocation of government resources and decision-making by businesses and researchers. Visit our website for more such articles where we share Top Stories of The World, TopStoriesWorld.com