People count – On the Issues of Census

Source – The post is based on the article “People count” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd September 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Population and Associated Issues

Relevance – Issues related to census

News – On September 20, Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Lok Sabha that the Census would be conducted after the 2024 general election.

Why is the centre delaying the Census until 2024?

There is demand for caste enumeration in the census, which is a cause of controversy among political parties.

In recent years, changes in the Citizenship Act and disputes between some states and the Center regarding the National Population Register have further complicated the matter.

Why is the upcoming census significant?

The proposed 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies depends on upcoming Census and delimitation.

This Census will also mark the transition to a digital format. It will allow citizens to participate in “self-enumeration.” During self-enumeration, it will be mandatory to collect Aadhaar or mobile numbers.

Advancements in technology are rapidly improving the quality and methodology of population-level data collection.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023 will facilitate the creation of a centralised population register. It will integrate data from electoral registers, Aadhaar, ration cards, passports, and driver’s licenses.