The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 10th September 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Next Census should be the last enumeration-based one 

Why in News?

According to media reports, India is likely to begin conducting the long-delayed Census exercise and complete the survey within 18 months. So, realistically, the final Census report might be available sometime in late 2026 or in 2027, with a roughly 16-year gap since the last Census of 2011. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, is cited as the primary reason for the delay in the census.

Overview

Definition:

• Population Census is the complete process of gathering, compiling, analyzing, and sharing data about the demographics, economics, and social aspects of all individuals within a country or a specific area of a country at a particular time.
• It offers insights into the trends in population features over time.
• The Indian Census is recognized as one of the largest administrative tasks carried out globally.

Nodal Ministry:

• The decennial Census is carried out by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, which is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Before 1951, the Census Organization was formed on a temporary basis for each Census event.

Legal/Constitutional Backing:

• The Census is carried out according to the rules set by the Census Act of 1948.
• The legislation for this Act was introduced by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the Home Minister of India at that time.
• The population census is a subject handled by the Union government as stated in Article 246 of the Indian Constitution.
• It is mentioned as item number 69 in the seventh schedule of the Constitution.

Confidentiality of Information:

• The information gathered during the population Census is extremely confidential and is not available even to the courts.
• This confidentiality is protected by the Census Act of 1948.
• The law includes penalties for both public and census officials if they fail to follow or break any rules set by the Act.

Significance of Census:

• The Indian Census is the biggest single source of various statistical information about the people in India.
• Researchers and demographers utilize census data to study population growth and trends, as well as to make future predictions.
• Good Governance: The information gathered from the census is essential for government tasks like administration, planning, policy creation, and managing various programs.
• Demarcation: Census data helps in defining the boundaries of constituencies and in deciding how many representatives are allocated to Parliament, state legislatures, and local governments.
• Better Access for Businesses: This data is crucial for businesses and industries to plan and expand their operations into areas that were previously not covered.
• Giving Grants: The Finance Commission allocates funds to states based on the population numbers obtained from the census data.

History of Census

• Ancient and Medieval Period:
  • Rigveda: The oldest text, Rig-Veda, shows that a population count was kept in India around 800-600 BC.
  • Arthashastra: Written by Kautilya in the 3rd Century BC, the Arthashastra recommended collecting population data as part of state policy for taxation purposes.
  • Ain-i-Akbari: Under Mughal king Akbar, the administrative record Ain-e-Akbari included detailed information about population, industries, wealth, and other traits.
• Pre-independence Period:
  • Initial Attempts:
    • The census history in India began in 1800 when England started its own census.
    • In 1824, a census was held in Allahabad, followed by another in Banaras from 1827 to 1828, conducted by James Prinsep.
    • The first full census of an Indian city was done in 1830 in Dacca (now Dhaka) by Henry Walter.
    • The Second Census took place in 1836-37 by Fort St. George.
    • In 1849, the Government of India instructed local governments to carry out population counts every five years.
    • First Non-synchronous Census: This was conducted in 1872 during the rule of Governor-General Lord Mayo.
    • First Synchronous Census: The initial synchronous census under British rule occurred on February 17, 1881, led by W.C. Plowden, the Census Commissioner of India.
    • Since then, censuses have been conducted every ten years without interruption.

Major Events/Findings in India’s Census

• First Census (1881):
  • This census focused on classifying the demographic, economic, and social traits of British India, excluding regions like Kashmir and French or Portuguese territories.
• Second Census (1891):
  • Conducted in a similar manner to the 1881 census.
  • Efforts were made to ensure complete coverage, including regions that are now part of Burma, Kashmir, and Sikkim.
• Third Census (1901):
  • This census included Balochistan, Rajputana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Burma, Punjab, and remote areas of Kashmir.
• Fifth Census (1921):
  • The period from 1911 to 1921 was the only decade to see a population decrease of 0.31%.
  • This decline was largely due to the 1918 flu pandemic, which claimed around 12 million lives.
  • Before 1921, India's population was consistently rising, marking this census as the point of "The Great Divide" in India’s demographic history.
• Eleventh Census (1971):
  • This was the second census conducted after India gained independence.
  • It introduced a new question regarding fertility rates among currently married women.
• Thirteenth Census (1991):
  • This census was the fifth conducted in independent India.
  • The definition of literacy changed, with children aged 7 and older being considered literate, compared to the previous census where children up to 4 were counted as literate.
• Fourteenth Census (2001):
  • This census saw a significant advancement in technology.
  • Schedules were scanned using high-speed scanners, and handwritten responses were digitized using Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR), an improved version of Optical Character Recognition (OCR).
• Fifteenth Census (2011):
  • In this census, a notable decline was observed in the EAG States (Empowered Action Group states: UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Orissa) for the first time.
• Sixteenth Census (2021):
  • This census was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • It is set to be the first digital census, allowing for self-enumeration.
  • For the first time, data will be collected on households led by individuals from the Transgender Community, as well as their family members.
  • Previously, the census only included categories for male and female.

Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)

• The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was carried out in 2011, marking the first time since 1931.
• It aims to survey every family in both rural and urban India, gathering information about:
  • Economic status to help Central and State authorities create a range of indicators to identify who is poor or deprived.
  • Specific caste name to help the government assess which caste groups are economically better off or worse off.

Difference Between Census & SECC:

• Field of Coverage: The Census gives an overview of the Indian population, while the SECC is used to identify who can receive state support.
• Confidentiality of Data: Census data is private, whereas SECC data is available for government departments to use in deciding benefits.

Significance of SECC:

• Better Mapping of Inequalities: SECC helps in understanding inequalities on a larger scale.
• It provides a basis for justifying caste-based affirmative action programs and welfare schemes.
• Legally Imperative: Courts require quantifiable data to support the current reservation system.
• Constitutional Mandate: The Constitution of India supports conducting a caste census.
  • Article 340 requires a commission to study the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and suggest government actions.

Associated Concerns with SECC:

• Repercussions of a Caste Census: Caste is a sensitive topic, leading to political and social consequences.
• There are worries that counting castes may strengthen group identities.
• As a result of these concerns, much of the SECC data has either not been released or has been released only partially, nearly a decade later.
• Caste is Context-specific: Caste is not just a measure of class or poverty; it represents a unique form of discrimination that often goes beyond class issues.