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India's long delayed census, could commence from September this year, govt mulls inclusion of caste

A map of India with statistical data overlay, illustrating the upcoming 2024 population census and its significance.

census

India is poised to initiate its long-delayed population census in September of this year, according to two government sources who spoke with Reuters. Originally scheduled for completion in 2021, the census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new survey is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete once it begins next month.

The delay has faced criticism from economists and analysts, who argue that it has adversely affected the quality of various statistical surveys, including those related to economic data, inflation, and employment. Currently, most of these data and government schemes are based on the last census conducted in 2011.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation have outlined a timeline for the census, with results projected to be released by March 2026, covering a 15-year period. The final approval to commence the census from Prime Minister Modi's office is still pending.

According to a United Nations report from last year, India surpassed China to become the world's most populous country. The home affairs and statistics ministries have yet to respond to requests for comment from Reuters.

In addition to the census, the government is also working to revamp its economic data collection, including revising the measurement of retail inflation and adjusting categories to better reflect changes in consumption patterns. Discussions are ongoing about potentially including caste enumeration in the upcoming census, though no final decision has been made.

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