In a significant development, the Indian government plans to initiate the long-awaited population census in 2025, with the enumeration expected to conclude by 2026. This marks a delay of four years, as the last census was conducted in 2011, and the subsequent exercise was initially scheduled for 2021.
The Census, which provides vital demographic data, has faced multiple postponements, largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming census will incorporate advanced methods, such as digital data collection through mobile applications, potentially speeding up the process and enhancing data accuracy.
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Following the completion of the census, the government is also expected to undertake a delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, projected to finish by 2028. This move aligns with the ongoing political discourse, particularly surrounding the demand for a caste-based census.
Political reactions to the census announcement have been intense. The Congress party has been vocally advocating for a caste census, asserting that it is crucial for fair representation of OBC communities, Dalits, and Adivasis. Congress leader Manickam Tagore criticized Prime Minister Modi’s administration, labeling the refusal to conduct a caste census as a betrayal of OBCs. He emphasized that the absence of caste-based data perpetuates injustice and limits adequate representation.
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, during a recent engagement at Georgetown University, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the lack of a caste census prevents 90% of the population from receiving adequate representation. He indicated that the Congress party would reconsider its stance on reservations only when India becomes a “fair place”.
As preparations for the census unfold, the official notification from the Centre is still awaited, leaving many questions about the inclusion of sub-sects within the general and SC/ST categories unanswered.
