India Launches World's Largest Census Amid Population Growth and Resource Strain

Amid rapidly increasing population and pressure on resource management in India, the world's largest census operation is set to begin. India is preparing to launch this massive exercise starting Wednesday.

Mobilizing over 3 million personnel, the government considers this operation a 'vast exercise of national importance.' The data obtained is expected to aid in inclusive governance and evidence-based policymaking.

Currently, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India faces challenges in managing basic necessities extemdash electricity, food, and housing. Major cities are affected by water scarcity, air and water pollution, and extreme overcrowding, which further heightens the importance of the census.

This census will also include details related to 'caste,' considered the most sensitive aspect. This issue is politically complex because caste historically determines occupation and social status based on the established social hierarchy in Hindu society. The caste survey conducted in 2011 was not made public, and detailed caste statistics were last collected during the British rule in 1931.

The operation is also considered logistically challenging. The 2024 Indian general election, considered the world's largest democratic exercise, was conducted over seven phases spanning six weeks. The census, which has a much broader scope, will be conducted in two phases.

The first phase will run from Wednesday until September, collecting details on households, housing conditions, and basic amenities. Data will be collected door-to-door during this period, and citizens will also be given the option to self-enumerate online. A digital mapping system linked with satellite imagery and technology available in 16 languages will be utilized.

The second phase will collect detailed demographic, social, and economic status information, along with caste-related details. Since caste remains a significant determinant of access to resources, education, and opportunities in India, the data obtained is expected to deeply influence policy formulation.