Census 2025

November 2, 2024

The Government of India has announced the Census for 2025, which has been widely approved. The Census has been crucial since it began in 1872. It records demographic changes, economic conditions, and socio-political trends. The upcoming Census will focus on three major initiatives: caste enumeration, electoral delimitation, and the National Population Register (NPR).

The Role of Census in India

The Census is a vital tool for shaping public policy. It provides essential data for planning and governance. Since independence, the focus has shifted from caste-based categorization to promoting a unified national identity. Previous Censuses primarily recognized Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), leaving out other castes.

Caste Enumeration

Caste enumeration in 2025 could provide detailed data, including group size, geographical distribution, gender composition, and socio-economic status. Such information would enhance understanding of India’s social structure and inform policies and programmes aimed at social equity.

Electoral Delimitation

Census data is crucial for electoral delimitation. This process involves redrawing constituency boundaries. The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 froze delimitation until 2000. The 84th Amendment Act of 2002 extended this freeze until 2026. The 2025 Census will provide demographic details necessary for this task. It will help determine constituency boundaries and reservation of seats for various social groups.

National Population Register (NPR)

The NPR aims to create a comprehensive database of every resident in India. This will support the establishment of a National Register of Indian Citizens. Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, of 1955, mandates the registration of all citizens and the issuance of national identity cards. Data for the NPR was previously collected in Census 2011 but was not fully realized.

Preparation for Caste Enumeration

Caste enumeration requires extensive preparation. Historical records, including British India census reports, will be vital. Anthropological and ethnographic surveys, such as the ‘People of India’, will also contribute. Data from sample surveys and administrative records will need to be integrated. This combination will help create a balanced framework for the Census.

Challenges in Data Collection

Collecting caste data poses challenges. Historical data, like that from the 1931 Census, is limited to modern needs. Sample surveys can provide insights but may suffer from biases. Administrative records, such as those from schools and employment, may lack completeness. Despite these challenges, these sources will be crucial for accurate assessment.

Government Responsibility

The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees the Census in India. The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner is responsible for its planning and implementation. Each state and union territory has a Directorate of Census Operations. They conduct the Census in their respective areas.

Importance of Accurate Data

Accurate data from the Census is essential for effective governance. It informs social policies, resource allocation, and electoral processes. The upcoming Census will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future. It will provide vital information about the country’s demographics and social dynamics.

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