India is gearing up for the next national census in 2021, a massive data gathering exercise that promises to incorporate advanced technologies for a more efficient and comprehensive survey. This colossal administrative task, having its roots in ancient literature like Rig-Veda and Arthashastra, has evolved in leaps and bounds since its inception.
Overview of the Census 2021
All set to commence on March 1, 2021, the upcoming census will significantly differ from its previous counterparts. Unlike other states, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will not use the aforementioned date as their reference. The census will be conducted in 18 of the 22 scheduled languages listed under the 8th schedule, plus English. This marks an increase from the 2011 census, which was conducted in 16 languages.
In a first for India’s 140 year old census history, data collection is proposed to be done via mobile apps by enumerators who will receive additional payments as incentives. To increase accuracy and clarity, a code directory will be introduced to streamline the process.
The option of “Other” under the gender category will be replaced with “Third Gender”. The 2011 census recorded roughly 500,000 people in this category.
Anticipated Release of the Census Data
Expectedly, the census data would be available by 2024-25. The digitalization of the process would speed up data collection and analytical processes. Until then, we rely on the Census 2011 data, which is still being released gradually. For example, the dataset on migration was published only recently.
Census 2021 – A Table of Facts
| Scheduled Languages | Use of Mobile App | New Gender Category | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 out of 22 | Yes | Third Gender | 2024-2025 |
The Debate over Caste Data Collection
The method of caste data collection in India has been a topic of debate for some time. In 2018, the Ministry of Home Affairs proposed inclusion of the Other Backward Class (OBC) category in the Census 2021. However, the Registrar-General of India (RGI) expressed concerns over the reliability of caste data, stating that inaccuracies and inconsistencies decrease the credibility of the results. Common issues include confusion between caste and gotra, lack of standardization, and variance in how individuals identify their castes.
This problem of data inconsistency led to the 2011 Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) data not being released yet by the Centre. A committee, formed under the former vice-chairman of NITI Aayog, Arvind Panagariya, to find a way to publish this data, did not result in a tangible solution. Remarkably, the last caste-based census was conducted by the British in 1931.
Historical Context of Census
The conduction of population counts in India can be traced back to 800-600 BC, as mentioned in ‘Rig-Veda’. Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’, written in the 3rd Century BC, prescribed the collection of population statistics as part of state policy for taxation. Notably, the Mughal king Akbar’s administrative report ‘Ain-e-Akbari’ included comprehensive data on population, industry, wealth, and other features.
India’s first synchronous and modern population census, as we know today, was held in 1881. Since then, a census has been carried out every ten years, with the last one conducted in 2011 when the nation’s population stood at 121 crore. The Indian Census is a colossal administrative exercise and one of the biggest of its kind globally.