Any Further Delay in Census Taking is Perilous: The Hindu editorial

Aug 3, 2024 - 05:11
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Any Further Delay in Census Taking is Perilous: The Hindu editorial

Any Further Delay in Census Taking is Perilous: The Hindu editorial

This editorial is based on "Any further delay in Census taking is perilous" which was published in The Hindu on July 30, 2024. The article discusses the critical importance of conducting the Census, highlighting the significant delays since the 2011 Census and the detrimental impacts these delays have on welfare schemes, policy-making, and socio-economic planning.

 

The current delay in conducting the Census, initially scheduled to begin in 2020, poses significant risks to socio-economic planning and the implementation of welfare schemes. The reduced budget allocation for the Census in 2024-25 has raised concerns about further postponement, impacting millions of Indians who rely on accurate Census data for accessing benefits and services.

Why is the Census Important?

Access to Welfare Schemes

  • Impact on Welfare Schemes: Without updated Census data since 2011, many welfare schemes remain out of reach for a significant portion of the population.
    • Example: Accurate data is crucial for targeting schemes like food security programs, housing subsidies, and educational scholarships to the intended beneficiaries.

Implementation of Policies

  • Women’s Reservation Act: The implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, reserving 33% of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies for women, awaits the conduct of the Census.
    • Example: The Act cannot be effectively enforced without updated demographic data.

Socio-Economic Planning

  • Planning and Development: Accurate Census data is essential for effective socio-economic planning and development policies.
    • Example: Data on population distribution, age demographics, and socio-economic status informs infrastructure development, healthcare provisioning, and educational planning.

What are the Impacts of Delays in Census?

Budget Allocation and Preparations

  • Reduced Budget Allocation: The recent budget allocation of ₹1,309.46 crore for the Census is significantly lower than the ₹3,768 crore allocated in 2021-22, indicating potential delays.
    • Example: Insufficient funds could delay essential preparations such as updating maps, training personnel, and finalizing questionnaires.

Administrative and Logistical Challenges

  • Administrative Boundaries: The deadline for freezing administrative boundaries has not been extended, complicating preparations.
    • Example: Setting and maintaining administrative boundaries is critical for accurate enumeration and data collection.

Updating the National Population Register (NPR)

  • NPR Controversies: The inclusion of new questions in the NPR, such as "mother tongue" and "place of birth," has faced opposition from some states and citizen groups, complicating the updating process.
    • Example: The NPR is the first step toward compiling the National Register of Citizens (NRC), leading to concerns about its implications.

Importance of a Caste-Based Census

Understanding Marginalized Communities

  • Economic Well-being: There is a growing demand for a caste-based Census to understand the economic well-being of marginalized communities.
    • Example: Accurate caste data can help in formulating targeted policies and programs to uplift disadvantaged groups.

Administrative Feasibility

  • Government’s Stand: The Union Government previously stated that a caste Census (except for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) is unfeasible and administratively difficult.
    • Example: The logistical challenges and political sensitivities associated with collecting caste data require careful consideration.

Conclusion

Conducting the Census on a priority basis is crucial for the effective implementation of welfare schemes, policy-making, and socio-economic planning. The current delay not only hampers these processes but also affects millions of Indians who depend on accurate data for accessing essential services and benefits. Ensuring sufficient budget allocation and resolving administrative challenges are imperative to commence the Census at the earliest.

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