IAS Current Affairs

India’s First Census After 16 Years

IAS Current Affairs

India’s First Census After 16 Years

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Population and Associated Issues

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. Expected Demographic and Socio-Economic Insights
  3. Functional Significance of the Census

Why in the News?

The Ideas Page of the Indian Express examined the potential insights that India’s first Census in 16 years could provide on the country’s social, economic, and demographic transformation.

News in Brief
  • India will conduct its first Census in 16 years, making it one of the world’s largest demographic data-gathering exercises.
  • The Census is expected to capture major changes in population trends, health outcomes, education levels, gender indicators and labour force participation.
  • Updated data on caste and socio-economic conditions will support evidence-based policymaking and better targeting of welfare and development programmes.

India's First Census After 16 Years

Expected Demographic and Socio-Economic Insights

Health and Mortality Improvements

  • India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined significantly, indicating improvements in healthcare access and maternal services.
  • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Under-Five Mortality Rate have also shown consistent reductions.
  • Census data can provide district-level insights, helping identify regions that still lag behind in health outcomes.

Changing Gender Dynamics

  • The Census is expected to reveal trends in child sex ratio and overall sex ratio.
  • Government initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have contributed to improvements in several regions.
  • Updated Census data will help assess the effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing gender discrimination.

Education and Literacy Trends

  • Enrolment levels have improved across primary, secondary and higher education through initiatives such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and programmes promoting girl’s education, including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
  • Digital literacy and gender digital divide is emerging as a new indicator of inequality and could receive greater policy attention.

Labour Force Participation

  • Female labour force participation has improved in recent years but the gender gap remains.
  • Census occupation data will supplement labour surveys by providing a broader population-based picture.
  • The findings can help shape employment and skill-development policies.

Caste-based Census

  • For the first time in independent India, caste-based data is expected to be collected comprehensively.
  • The data may be linked with socio-economic indicators such as education, occupation, income, and housing conditions.
  • This can provide a more nuanced  understanding of social inequalities and aid targeted welfare measures.

Constitutional Provisions Related To Census

  • Under the Article 246 (Entry 69), the Census is classified as Union subject.
        • The Parliament has the exclusive authority to make laws regarding it.
  • The Census Act, 1948, provides the statutory framework for conducting the Census and empowers the Central Government to conduct census and outlines the appointment officials like Census Commissioner.
  • The Census exercise is conducted centrally by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under The Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Article 82, provides for the readjustment (delimitation) of Lok Sabha constituencies after each Census.
  • Article 170- readjustment of allocation of seats in State Legislative Assemblies based on census data.
  • Article 330- Reservation of seats for SCs/STs in Lok Sabha based on census data.
  • Article 332- Reservation of seats for SCs/STs in State Legislative Assemblies based on census data.
  • Article 243D- Reservation of seats for SCs/STs in Panchayats based on census data.
  • Article 243T- Census data forms the basis for reservation of seats in Municipalities for SCs and STs.
Functional Significance of the Census
  • Policy Formulation
        • Provides reliable data for designing evidence-based government policies and programmes.
  • Electoral Delimitation
        • Serves as the basis for delimitation of constituencies and political representation.
  • Resource allocation
        • Helps distribute financial resources and welfare benefits according to population needs.
  • Monitoring Development Goals
        • Helps assess progress towards national development objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Demographic Analysis
        • Tracks population growth, migration, urbanization, literacy and workforce trends.
  • Social Justice
        • Identifies disadvantaged groups and supports targeted welfare interventions.
  • Development Planning
        • Assists in planning infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, and employment initiatives.
UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Census in India

    1. Census 2027 will be the first Census conducted after a gap of 16 years.
    2. The census is expected to provide district-level data on health and socio-economic indicators.
    3. For the first time in independent India, comprehensive caste-based data is proposed to be collected and linked with socio-economic indicators.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1and 2 only

b) 2and 3 only

c) 1and 3 only

d) 1,2 and 3

Answer: d) 1,2 and 3

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