Central Idea

Initially planned for 2020, the Census exercise is now postponed to at least October 2024, considering the time required for preparatory activities post-boundary setting.
The delay also postpones the implementation of the law reserving 33% of seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, which is contingent on Census completion.

About the Census of India

The decennial Census of India has been conducted 16 times, as of 2021.
While it has been undertaken every 10 years, beginning in 1872 under British Viceroy Lord Mayo, the first complete census was taken in 1881.
Post 1949, it has been conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
All the censuses since 1951 were conducted under the Census of India Act, 1948.
The last census was held in 2011, whilst the next was to be held in 2021.

128th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023: Known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, this Act mandates one-third reservation for women, effective post-delimitation based on the latest Census.
Presidential Assent and Delimitation: The Act, receiving Presidential assent in September 2023, awaits the delimitation exercise, which depends on the new Census data.

Historical Consistency: India has conducted a Census every decade since 1881, with the latest phase initially set for April 2020.
COVID-19 Pandemic Disruption: The pandemic necessitated the postponement of the Census, leading to continued reliance on 2011 data for policy and subsidy decisions.
Lack of Clarity in Recent Notifications: Recent notifications have not specified reasons for the delay, moving away from earlier attributions to the pandemic.

Houselisting and Housing Schedule: The first phase questionnaire was notified in January 2020, including 31 questions.
Population Enumeration Phase: The second phase, with 28 finalized questions, awaits official notification.

Non-Release of Recent Reports: The RGI and Census Commissioner’s office have not released reports on births, deaths, and causes of deaths for 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Importance of Vital Statistics: These reports are crucial for planning and evaluating health care, family planning, and educational programs.
Last Released Reports: The latest available reports cover up to the year 2020, including new codes for COVID-19 related deaths.

Evidence-based policymaking amidst delays: The extended timeline for the Census necessitates strategic planning to ensure accurate data collection and analysis.
Awaiting Women’s Reservation Implementation: The delay underscores the need for adaptive measures to implement the women’s reservation law effectively once the Census is completed.
Broader Implications for Governance: The postponement affects various aspects of governance and policy-making, highlighting the importance of timely and accurate demographic data.