Alina
India Census NPR Expected 2025
India Census and NPR Update Likely to Start in 2025
According to recent sources, the much-delayed India census 2025 and National Population Register (NPR) update are likely to commence in early 2025, with the population data set for release by 2026. This major demographic exercise, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, could alter India’s usual census timeline. Although the upcoming census has stirred discussions, the government has yet to decide on including a caste-based census.
Background: India’s Census History and the Pandemic Delay
India’s decadal census, conducted every ten years since 1951, is an extensive operation that collects vital data on demographics, socio-economic indicators, and more. However, the India census 2025 was initially scheduled for 2021, but the pandemic delayed the process. With the government now preparing to move forward, early 2025 has been tentatively marked as the start of the next census cycle.
Potential Shift in the Census Timeline
With the anticipated start in 2025, the census cycle might shift to cover 2025-2035, then 2035-2045, and so on. Official sources indicate that this adjustment will likely affect how future censuses are scheduled and conducted. If data is released as expected in 2026, the updated population statistics could impact future national policies and planning.
Caste Census: No Decision Yet
While calls for a caste census have grown louder, particularly from political parties like Congress and RJD, no decision has been made on including it in the India census 2025. These parties argue that a caste-based census is essential for determining the total Other Backward Class (OBC) population. However, government sources have confirmed that discussions on whether to proceed with this addition are ongoing, leaving its inclusion uncertain.
Key Questions in the Upcoming Census
The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner has prepared 31 questions for the India census 2025 to gather detailed information. These questions cover a wide range of topics, including household demographics, access to technology, and socioeconomic factors. Questions include whether the household head belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, whether the household has amenities like a mobile phone, internet connection, and various transportation modes, and whether the household has access to essentials like drinking water, electricity, and kitchen facilities.
Some of the specific questions are as follows:
- Total residents in the household
- Status of household head (male/female)
- Types of dwelling rooms in the household
- Number of married couples in the household
- Access to amenities like telephone, internet, smartphone, bicycle, and vehicle ownership
This comprehensive survey aims to capture a complete picture of India’s evolving demographic landscape, with the responses helping shape India’s social and economic policies.
Southern States’ Concerns Over Possible Delimitation
The upcoming India census 2025 data may also impact delimitation—the redrawing of parliamentary constituencies. Under Article 82 of the Indian Constitution, seats in the Lok Sabha are adjusted based on census data. However, political leaders in southern states have expressed concerns, as they fear losing parliamentary representation due to their success in population control compared to some northern states.
If census data is published by 2026, an amendment to Article 82 may be required before any delimitation exercises proceed, as the current provisions are based on the 1971 census. Discussions around this issue are likely to shape political developments in the coming years.
Historical Context: Key Findings of the 2011 Census
The most recent census in 2011 highlighted key statistics for India’s population. At that time, India’s population stood at 121 crore, with a sex ratio of 940 females per 1,000 males. The literacy rate was 74.04%, and the country’s population growth was 17.64% from 2001 to 2011. Furthermore, 68.84% of the population resided in rural areas, with the remaining 31.16% in urban areas. Uttar Pradesh was the most populous state, while Lakshadweep was the least.
This data has been pivotal in shaping policies for over a decade, and the updated India census 2025 data is expected to be just as influential.
Conclusion: Awaiting Official Census Announcements
As India prepares for the next census cycle, many aspects, including the possible inclusion of a caste census, remain uncertain. With early 2025 anticipated as the starting period for the India census 2025, the exercise will likely impact many facets of India’s governance, from policymaking to resource allocation. Official announcements are awaited to clarify specifics, including whether the caste census will be part of this decade’s data collection efforts.
Disclaimer:
This article provides information based on sources regarding the anticipated timeline and structure for the upcoming India census and NPR update. Official announcements and schedules should be referenced from the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India.
