Upcoming Census in India
The Union government has announced the next Census will occur in two phases. This Census was originally delayed due to the pandemic and other unclear reasons after being scheduled for 2021.
Phases of the Census
- The first phase will cover hilly areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh by October 1, 2026.
- The second phase will cover the rest of the country and is set to complete by March 1, 2027.
Significance of the Census
The Census is crucial for policy-making and understanding demographic changes. The upcoming Census will be the first in 16 years and will include detailed caste data, last collected in 1931.
- India's GDP has grown significantly from $1.8 trillion in 2011 to a projected $5 trillion in 2027.
- The Census will provide updated data essential for reliable economic and policy analyses, notably with rapid urbanization.
- It will clarify India's population, now estimated to surpass China’s.
Political Implications
The Census 2027 will also have significant political impacts, including the collection of caste data, which has been a major political issue.
- Caste data could lead to increased demands for reservations and possible sub-categorization within OBCs, potentially causing societal friction.
- The announcement of the Census reignites the delimitation debate, crucial for Lok Sabha constituencies and the implementation of 33% reservation for women.
- Concerns exist that southern states' representation may decrease due to population differences between North and South.
Overall, while the Census is expected to aid in policy formulation, its political ramifications must be handled with maturity to avoid friction.
