India is set to begin one of the largest administrative exercises in the world, as more than three million officials prepare to conduct a nationwide census covering its entire population. The year-long effort aims to count every resident in the country, which is currently the most populous in the world.
The census, originally scheduled for 2021 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will begin on April 1 with an initial window allowing citizens to self-register online. This will be followed by two phases of door-to-door surveys collecting data on housing conditions and individual demographic and socio-economic details, according to Reuters.
India, which surpassed China as the world’s most populous country in 2023 based on estimates from the United Nations Population Fund, now has a population exceeding 1.4 billion people. The census is conducted once every decade and serves as a critical tool for policymaking, resource allocation, and economic planning.
The process will unfold in two main stages. The first phase focuses on documenting housing stock and living conditions, while the second gathers detailed information on individuals, including economic status, education, and other social indicators. Officials say the use of digital tools in this census is expected to improve both efficiency and data accuracy compared to previous exercises.
One of the more closely watched aspects of the census will be the collection of caste data. India’s caste system, a longstanding form of social stratification, continues to influence access to education, employment, and political representation. The inclusion of caste information is expected to play a role in shaping future welfare policies and affirmative action programs.
The last comprehensive caste data collection took place in 2011, marking the first such effort in decades. However, the findings were not fully released due to concerns over data reliability. The renewed effort has generated debate, with supporters arguing that updated data is necessary to better target government assistance, while critics question its relevance in a rapidly modernizing economy.
Despite its large population, many analysts view India’s demographics as a potential advantage. A relatively young workforce is seen as a driver for economic growth, particularly as several developed economies face ageing populations and labor shortages.
The census is expected to conclude by March next year, with authorities indicating that key datasets will be released shortly afterward. The information gathered is likely to influence a wide range of policy decisions, from infrastructure development to social welfare planning, over the coming decade.
