Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Governance
Context
The article discusses the delayed 2021 Census in India and its implications
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 19th June 2024
Time for a Census, come what may
Introduction
The delay in conducting the 2021 Census in India has sparked significant debate, with some suggesting it is a strategic move to influence the upcoming delimitation exercise. This postponement raises significant concerns about the deprivation of essential entitlements for millions and the obstruction of women’s reservation.
Census in India
- The Census is the enumeration of the population conducted every 10 years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- It collects data on various demographic and socio-economic parameters such as education, language, marriage, fertility, disability, occupation, and migration.
- The first census in India was conducted in 1872 under British Viceroy Lord Mayo, with the first systematic census held in 1881.
- The 2021 Census would have been the 15th Census, conducted in two phases: house listing and population enumeration.
Significance of the Census
- Link between Delimitation Exercise and Census:
- 84th Amendment of constitution stipulates that the next delimitation exercise, which is the redrawing of boundaries for Lok Sabha and legislative assembly seats, must be based on the first census conducted after 2026.
- Delimitation ensures that the number of seats each state has in the Lok Sabha is proportionate to its population.
- Data for governance:
- Provides population data, housing, and amenities for every village and town.
- Essential for accurate public policy formulation and strategic planning.
- Provides data critical for urban planning, rural development, and infrastructure projects.
- Reservation benefits distribution:
- Essential for framing government programs to uplift vulnerable sections.
- Determines the number of reserved seats for SCs, STs in Parliament and State legislatures, and the delimitation of constituencies.
- Used for reviewing progress, monitoring ongoing schemes, and planning for the future.
- Resource Allocation:
- Informs the allocation of resources and funding for various development projects.
- Helps in the equitable distribution of government resources based on population needs.
- Economic Analysis:
- Supplies data for economic analysis and understanding demographic trends.
- Aids in the assessment of labour markets, employment patterns, and economic activities.
- Health and Education Services:
- Guides the planning and distribution of health and education services.
- Helps in identifying regions needing specific health interventions or educational programs.
Census was initially delayed in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, with restored normalcy post-pandemic, there is no justification for further delay.
Implications of the Delay in Census
- Timing of the Census affects delimitation:
- If the next census occurs in 2024 or 2025, it will fall before the stipulated timeline.
- Consequently, the delimitation process would have to wait until after the following census in the 2030s, delaying any changes in representation based on population changes.
- Electoral Implications
- Delimitation aims to adjust the number of Lok Sabha seats each state has so that it reflects the current population shares accurately.
- This means states that have experienced significant population growth since the last delimitation in 1973 (which was based on the 1971 Census) could potentially gain more seats.
- This could shift political power and influence within the Lok Sabha, affecting the overall electoral landscape.
- Northern vs. Southern States:
- The forthcoming delimitation is expected to favour states with higher population growth, which are predominantly in the north.
- This may increase the number of Lok Sabha seats for these northern states, relatively increasing influence of northern states compared to south.
- Non-availability of Reliable Data:
- Projections at lower geographic levels (districts, cities) are unreliable without a timely census.
- Limitations of Sample Surveys:
- Sample surveys cannot replace detailed data on literacy, economic activity, migration, or the impact of schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
- Only a timely census can provide comprehensive information on population characteristics and amenities.
- Ambiguity in Reservation:
- Continued use of 2011 Census data for reservations means many areas might have inaccurate representation in legislatures and local bodies.
- Rapid changes in population composition make updated data crucial.
- Dynamic Rural-Urban Distribution:
- Rapid urbanization necessitates updated census data to reflect accurate population dynamics.
- Examples include significant growth in Bengaluru Municipality and other urban areas from 2011 data.
- Discrepancies in PDS Entitlement:
- The National Food Security Act uses outdated 2011 Census data, depriving over 10 crore people of subsidized food entitlements due to population growth.
Conclusion
It is imperative that all stakeholders prioritize the timely completion of the Census to uphold the constitutional mandate and ensure that every citizen’s rights and entitlements are safeguarded without compromise. The Census should transcend political agendas to serve as a tool for national development and social justice, benefiting all segments of society equally.
Related PYQ
“Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship with each other in context of India. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2016]
Practice Question
Critically examine the significance of the Census in India as a tool for governance and social development. Discuss the implications of delaying the 2021 Census? [250 words]