Why in the News?
The Indian government is reportedly preparing to conduct the Census, which had been postponed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While official confirmation is still awaited, the Census is anticipated to commence next year. This exercise is vital as it relates to two significant issues: the delimitation of Parliamentary constituencies, which has been stalled for the past five decades, and the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament.
India’s Census, which has been conducted every ten years since 1881, missed its scheduled count in 2021 for the first time. Although the pandemic’s impact subsided by 2022, allowing for a Census to occur in 2023 or 2024, the government appears to have postponed it to synchronize with the planned reorganization of constituencies.
Overview of the Article
- Census in India
- Census and Delimitation
- Demand for Caste Data in the Upcoming Census
Census in India
About the Census: The Population Census provides essential statistics regarding human resources, demography, culture, and economic structures at local, regional, and national levels.
The census process began in 1872, with the first non-synchronous enumeration conducted that year. The first synchronous census was executed in 1881 under British rule by W.C. Plowden, the Census Commissioner of India. The responsibility for conducting the decadal census lies with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Legal and Constitutional Basis: The Population Census is enshrined in the Union List (Entry 69) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It is conducted according to the provisions laid out in the Census Act of 1948.
Process of Census Enumeration: The Census operations in India are executed in two phases:
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- Houselisting and Housing Census: This phase collects data related to housing conditions.
- Population Enumeration: This phase follows the Housing Census after a gap of six to eight months and involves the enumeration of each individual, capturing specific details such as age, marital status, religion, and mother tongue.
Census and Delimitation
Delimitation and Its Suspension:
- Delimitation, a process mandated by the Constitution, adjusts the number of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies based on population, ensuring equal representation across constituencies. It guarantees a fair division of geographical areas, allowing all political parties and candidates a level playing field regarding the number of voters.
- Articles 82 and 170 of the Constitution empower Parliament to readjust the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies after every Census. However, this process has been suspended since 1976 due to political disagreements.
Historical Context: After the 2001 Census, the delimitation exercise in 2002 merely redrew constituency boundaries without changing their numbers. Southern states have expressed concerns that any adjustments could diminish their representation despite their successful population control measures.
Constitutional Amendments: The 84th Constitutional Amendment, enacted in 2001, postponed delimitation until at least 2026, thus making 2031 the earliest opportunity for reorganization based on the Census.
Challenges for Immediate Delimitation: The 84th Constitutional Amendment prohibits delimitation based on the Census data from any Census conducted before 2026. Therefore, even if the Census begins in 2025 and concludes in 2026, immediate delimitation may not be feasible unless the amendment is revised. If delimitation is to occur in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, an amendment to the existing provision may be necessary.
Political Consensus and Southern States’ Concerns: The suspension of delimitation since 1976 arises from political disagreements, particularly with Southern states. These states contend that considering current population figures in the delimitation process could unfairly decrease their Parliamentary representation, effectively penalizing them for successful population control efforts. Their support for delimitation may depend on compensations or reassurances. Furthermore, the 128th Constitutional Amendment, which reserves 33% of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies for women, also necessitates a delimitation exercise before implementation, linking it to forthcoming political reforms.
Role of the 16th Finance Commission: The 16th Finance Commission, scheduled to submit its report next year, will address the allocation of financial resources between the Centre and the states. This allocation could influence state-level negotiations concerning delimitation.
Demand for Caste Data in Upcoming Census
The Demand: There is a growing expectation that the next Census will include caste data, responding to demands from various political parties for a caste census, which would involve collecting caste-wise tabulations of India’s population during the Census exercise.
Historical Background: Caste enumeration was practiced in the British India Censuses from 1881 to 1931. However, post-Independence, the 1951 Census excluded caste enumeration, except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), who continue to be counted. Although caste data were collected during the 2011 Census, this information was never made public. In 1961, the Government of India recommended that states conduct their own surveys for state-specific Other Backward Classes (OBC) lists, as no central reservations for OBCs existed at that time.
Statistical Authority: Although the Census is a Union subject, the Collection of Statistics Act of 2008 permits states and local bodies to gather necessary data. This has been evidenced in initiatives by states like Karnataka (2015) and Bihar (2023).
In conclusion, the anticipated Census starting in 2025 is a critical undertaking for the Indian government, not only for demographic insights but also for addressing significant political issues such as delimitation and caste representation. The challenges and demands surrounding this exercise highlight the complex socio-political landscape of India.
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