August M
India has begun what officials describe as the largest census operation ever conducted, as authorities seek updated data on the world’s most populous nation.
The effort reflects both the country’s rapid population growth and the increasing need for detailed demographic information.
The nationwide count, reported by Dr News citing AP and BBC, will involve around three million officials and is expected to take about a year to complete.
India last carried out a census in 2011, when its population stood at 1.21 billion.
Population surge
Since then, the country’s population has grown significantly.
According to estimates cited by Dr News, India now has well over 1.4 billion people and overtook China in 2023 to become the world’s most populous country.
The shift has been driven in part by higher birth rates compared to China, where population growth has slowed sharply.
Digital shift
The new census will be conducted in two phases and will include digital tools for the first time.
According to Dr News, the initial phase focuses on housing, with officials visiting homes to record living conditions and access to basic services.
Residents will be asked a wide range of questions, including details about daily life and access to technology.
An online system available in 16 languages will also allow people to submit information themselves.
Second phase
The second phase, scheduled to run into next year, will gather more detailed data on economic and social conditions.
According to Dr News, millions of public employees, including teachers and civil servants, will be involved in collecting the information.
The census will also include data on social class, a sensitive and widely debated issue in India.
Debate continues
Supporters argue that such data can help improve welfare policies and better target support to disadvantaged groups.
However, critics say class-based data collection risks reinforcing long-standing social divisions.
According to Dr News, some analysts warn it could deepen inequality rather than address it.
The results of the census are expected to play a key role in shaping future policy decisions in the country.
Sources: Dr News, AP, BBC
