Late for first time in history, re-starting after a gap of 13 years, preparations for census complete

NEW DELHI: According to reports, the census that was supposed to be conducted in the country in 2021 will begin in September. The last census was conducted in 2011. This is the first time in the history of 150 years that the census has been delayed for such a long time. Preparations for this have been completed. Citing government sources, the news agency reports that it will take 18 months to complete the census. It is also indicated that the census results will be released in March 2026. At the same time, it is reported that the Prime Minister's office has not yet given official permission for the census.

Presently, accurate estimates of economic indicators, inflation and employment figures are prepared according to the 2011 census. Census was initially delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but later the Modi government refused to go ahead with the process. At least 15 important data including health, birth and death statistics and economic system were affected by the lack of an updated census report.

It has been found that about 10 crore people have been left out of the public distribution system due to the non-conduct of the 2021 census. Due to the lack of census data, various state governments are struggling to allocate funds for various schemes including the MGNREGA scheme, the development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, old-age pension and housing for the poor, in addition to food security.