India’s population count has officially begun, with more than three million officials launching the world’s largest national population count in a yearlong process set to reshape policy and governance.
The census, delayed partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, started on Wednesday and will run until March 31 next year.
Two-phase data collection process
Officials will first spend about a month gathering basic household data, including housing conditions and living standards. Census workers will collect information through in-person visits as well as via a smartphone application.
A second phase will begin in September, focusing on more detailed social and economic data, including religion and caste.
Caste data sparks debate
The inclusion of caste in the population count has reignited debate across the country. Caste remains a deeply rooted system that influences access to resources, education and economic opportunity.
India lacks up-to-date data on caste groups, with the last comprehensive count dating back to 1931 during British rule. Since independence, censuses have only recorded data on scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
Supporters argue that accurate data is essential to ensure fair distribution of welfare benefits, while critics warn that a full caste count could deepen social divisions.
Impact on welfare and politics
Census data plays a central role in shaping government welfare programmes and public policy. The results could also lead to a redrawing of parliamentary and state assembly constituencies to reflect population growth.
This could have further implications following a 2023 law reserving one-third of legislative seats for women, potentially increasing female representation if the number of seats expands.
Population growth and global standing
India last conducted a census in 2011, recording a population of 1.21 billion. The population is now estimated to exceed 1.4 billion, making India the world’s most populous country after overtaking China in 2023, according to UN data.
As the India census progresses, its findings are expected to influence the country’s social policies, economic planning and political landscape for years to come.
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