Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies
Discuss the significance of the Census and also about the possible long-term effects might a country face if the Census process is noticeably delayed.
A census is a regular, methodical gathering of social, economic, and demographic information from people living in a particular area. Governments usually carry it out to obtain comprehensive data about the traits and living circumstances of the populace.
Governments, corporations, academics, and politicians use the Census’ vital data for a variety of reasons, including financial allocation, public service planning, and decision-making.
Significance of the Census:
- Identifying Demographics: The census offers a quick overview of India’s demographic makeup. It provides information on our number, location, age ranges, gender distribution, and other aspects of our lives. For social planners, scholars, and policymakers, it is essential.
- Resource Allocation: Based on population data, governments distribute resources. Accurate population statistics are essential for making decisions about the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals. It aids in equitably allocating funding among states and areas.
- For example, a state requires additional schools and healthcare facilities if its population is rising quickly.
- Monitoring Progress: The census creates a picture of India’s journey decade by decade. Gender ratios, healthcare access, and literacy rates have all improved.
- Considering the Future: Demographers forecast future population growth by examining patterns from previous censuses. It provides information for environmental regulations, infrastructural development, and urban planning.
- Social Justice and Equity: The census guarantees that communities who are marginalized are not overlooked. It records information about religion, caste, and other social factors. It aids in discrepancies identification and affirmative action policy design.
- Political Representation: Redrawing constituency maps is heavily influenced by the results of the census. It establishes the number of Lok Sabha seats allotted to each state. Fair representation is ensured by accurate population data.
Why does delaying a census matter?
Time is crucial when it comes to the decennial Census, the massive national headcount that influences how we perceive social structures, demographic trends, and the distribution of resources. Regretfully, because of these delays, the Census—which was supposed to take place in 2021—remains unfinished.
Accessing Welfare Schemes:
- It is not negotiable that the Census be conducted in a priority manner. The requirements of our inhabitants have increased along with the growth of our population since the 2011 Census.
- Government assistance programs, which cover everything from jobs to healthcare to education, are frequently accessed through Census data. Many people continue to be denied access to these vital benefits in the absence of an updated Census.
The Women’s Reservation Act:
- It seeks to allocate 33% of seats for women in State Assemblies and Parliament. However, precise Census data are necessary for its implementation.
- This groundbreaking legislation is stuck in a holding pattern until counting the heads and households again.
Economic Well-Being of Marginalized Communities:
- The call for a census based on caste is becoming louder. Fine-grained data is necessary to accurately comprehend the financial health of marginalized communities.
- Without it, affirmative action and tailored programs are just speculation.
Way Forward:
Budgetary Requirements: The budget for the 2025–2026 Census needs to be sufficiently large to account for the 2021 Census’s postponement.
- Resources must be set aside for the housing census, house listing, and National Population Register (NPR) updates.
The preliminary arrangements: Fortunately, preparations have been making and the Census Directorates for each state and union territory have been getting ready, testing questionnaires, updating maps, and hiring personnel.
- They are prepared to begin as soon as the new Census date is set. The only training they require is a brief refresher.
Digital Census: Digital is where it’s at. Using mobile apps to collect Census data expedites the procedure.
- The 2024–25 budget of ₹1,309.46 crore might finance necessary preparatory initiatives like completing enumeration areas, improving questionnaires, and preparing key personnel for the digital transition.
Empowerment, equity, and well-informed policymaking are the three main goals of the Census, but not just in numbers. Making it a priority is an essential to the welfare of the country.