May digital census prove beneficial

The resumption of the census process in the country is welcome in every way. Although the census that was scheduled for 2021 has been delayed by five years, its commencement will benefit both the government and the democratic system. The central government issued the first notification for the current census last June. The timeline has been set for completion by March 2027. The delay in the 2021 census was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the situations that followed. The census process will be carried out in two phases. The first phase is the house listing, which is to be completed by September 30. The second phase, which involves population enumeration, will take place in February next year.

A key feature of this census is that, for the first time since 1931, data will be collected on all castes along with the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Many organisations representing backward communities had demanded a caste-based census. The census also carries political significance. While most political parties and community organisations that believe in democracy have welcomed it, some groups with vested interests are attempting to spread misinformation regarding the caste census. Accurate data is essential for fair distribution of resources. A timely census helps in understanding the social and economic conditions of different communities and enables decisions such as the redistribution of wealth. It also helps ensure that benefits and rights reach those who are eligible and identifies if any group is unfairly receiving advantages.

This will also be the country's first digital census. Households can log in to the portal using the mobile number of the head of the family and answer 33 questions. After submitting the details, a self-enumerator ID will be generated, which must be shared with the enumerator visiting the house. The enumerator will verify and finalise the information. The census department has clarified that partners living together without marriage will be considered as married if the relationship is stable. The census will also help identify changes in the population of youth, the elderly, and women since 2011. The next delimitation of Lok Sabha seats between states will take place only after the official publication of the census data conducted after 2026.

There are also reports that steps are being considered to increase the number of constituencies based on the 2011 Census, in order to implement the proposed women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies at an earlier stage.

Many of the current concerns can be addressed if the census is conducted in a scientific and error-free manner. There should not be a situation where states with higher population gain more Lok Sabha seats, while states like Kerala, which have effectively controlled population growth, lose parliamentary representation. It is hoped that the census will ensure equality and justice for all sections without being influenced by vested interests. Legitimate concerns must also be addressed.