Delayed Census: A Threat to National Progress and Governance

When will India finally complete its overdue census?

In a country where numbers tell compelling stories of progress, identity, and diversity, the prolonged delay of the 2021 Census data has left many in the dark. After a tumultuous few years marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, we find ourselves grappling with an unprecedented 23-year gap in comprehensive census releases since 2001.

From the first systematic count in 1871 under British rule to a post-independence era that embraced regular ten-year censuses, India has always relied on these snapshots of its population.

Now, as we await the insights that shape policies and lives, the question looms large: when will the curtain rise on the latest chapter of India’s demographic saga?

Census Timeline

1991-2001: Regular Census Conduct

India maintained a consistent decennial census pattern, providing crucial data for policymaking and development planning.

2021-2024: Unprecedented Delay

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the 2021 census. This delay, extending into 2024, results in a staggering 23-year gap since the last complete census in 2001.

2011: Partial and Delayed Release

The 2011 census marked a departure from the norm. Instead of a complete release, data was published in parts over two years. This piecemeal approach hindered comprehensive analysis and delayed developmental processes. Notably, complete socio-economic data sets remain unreleased, creating gaps in crucial information.

The extended delay in conducting the census has far-reaching implications. It affects the accuracy of population projections, resource allocation, and the planning of social welfare programs. The absence of up-to-date data hampers evidence-based policymaking and leadS to misaligned development strategies.

Importance of Census at different levels

Fund Allocation at

Central Level:

2011 Census revealed high maternal and child mortality, guiding increased funding for the National Health Mission

social-policy-infographics-linear-icons-collection-vector-47311551.jpg

Financial outcomes and policy making at State Level:

Tamil Nadu used census data to target young children and mothers, improving its ICDS program.

Delivery of Services at

Local Level:

Analysis of census data for urban planning including public transport.

Resource requirement at Panchayat Level:

In a village in Uttar Pradesh, gram panchayats assess employment through census data to enhance MGNREGA job creation.

India's Demographic Transformation (1991-2011)

Rural-Urban Population Dynamics

1991: Rural Dominance
Rural population stood at 74%, while urban areas housed 26% of Indians.

2001: Gradual Urbanisation
Rural population decreased to 72%, with urban areas growing to 28%.

2011: Urban Expansion
Rural population further declined to 69%, as urban areas reached 31%.

Literacy Rates

In 1991, the rural literacy landscape showed a significant gender gap. Female literacy stood at a mere 30.17%, while male literacy was nearly double at 56.96%. Urban areas fared better, with female literacy at 64.05% and male literacy at 81.09%. The overall literacy rate difference between males and females was a staggering 31%, underscoring the need for focused efforts to bridge this gender gap in education.

In 2001, The total rural literacy rate saw a significant jump to 59.4%, marking a substantial improvement from the previous decade. Urban literacy rates continued to climb, reaching 80.3%. A notable achievement was the 26.5% increase in female literacy rates, compared to a 15.3% increase for males.

In 2011, India's overall literacy rate reached an impressive 72.98%. Female literacy surged to 64.63%, while male literacy stood at 80.9%. The most remarkable improvement was observed among rural females, with a 24% increase in literacy rate.

Migration Trends

Historically, information on migration has been collected since 1872. It was confined to seeking information only on place of birth till 1961. The scope of collecting information on migration was enlarged by including the rural or urban status of the place of birth and duration of residence at the place of residence in 1961.

Since the 1971 Census, data is being collected on the basis of place of last residence in addition to the question on birth place. Question on ‘Reason for migration’ was introduced in 1981. The pattern adopted in 1991 and 2001 Census remained same as in 1981 except that in 2001 Census the rural urban status of place of birth was not collected.

The data on migration by last residence in India as per Census 2001 shows that the total number of migrants was 31.4 crore. In the decade 1991-2001, about 9.8 crore persons migrated to a new place from their place of last residence. Out of these migrants by last residence, 8.1 crore were intra-state migrants, 1.7 crore inter-state migrants and 7 lakh international migrants.

The data as per Census 2011 shows that the

Poverty Reduction Trend

Population below poverty line in India over the years

In 1991, within the rural population was at 50.1% and in urban it was at 31.8% and combined it stood at 45.30%

In 2001 data, the rural below poverty line population was at 41.80% and urban population was at 25.70% and combined it stood at 37.20%

In the 2011-12 data, the Rural population stood at 25.70% and urban population 13.70% and combined it stood at 21.92%

Key Government Initiatives in Policy Implementation

At policy level, programs such as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam where one-third reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies are dependent on census for its allocation are on hold;

In urban areas, informal sector workers such as street vendors, daily wage laborer's are unaccounted for or missing in resource allocation. This lack of representation leads to inadequate access to social security schemes such as the Employees' Provident Fund or the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana.

The delay in census data also violates the Right to Information Act, 2005 and Article 21 under the Constitution of India (Article 21) as it hinders the public's ability to obtain crucial information for informed participation in governance.

128th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023- which reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, will take effect after delimitation based on the first Census figures recorded after the Act

Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which can be interpreted to include the right to access information necessary for making informed choices about one’s health, safety, and welfare.

Legal Perspectives

The petitioner challenged vaccine mandates, citing privacy rights, informed consent and demanded release of clinical trial data for transparency.

The focus is on registration, food security, and the implementation of existing welfare schemes to alleviate the hardships faced by migrant workers and need for relevant data for its implementation