World’s largest population count set to begin in India on April 1

More than 3 million Indian officials are set to begin counting every single person in the world’s most populous nation in a year-long exercise, in what is described as one of the largest administrative tasks globally. The census, which was delayed in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, will begin on April 1.

The once-in-a-decade population survey was originally scheduled for 2021. The government said on Monday that the process will start with a short window allowing citizens to register themselves online.

This will be followed by two phases of physical door-to-door surveys. The first phase will focus on listing houses and housing conditions, while the second will gather details on inhabitants, including their economic and social parameters. Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan told reporters about the structure of the exercise.

India, with a population of more than 1.4 billion people, overtook China in 2023, according to the United Nations Population Fund.

Analysts and economists do not see the size of India’s population as a cause for concern. The government has consistently described its predominantly young population as an opportunity to build a large pool of skilled workers, particularly at a time when many major economies are dealing with declining and ageing workforces.

The census will also collect details of castes, Narayan said, referring to a system of social stratification that dates back thousands of years and continues to influence Indian society and politics.

There are numerous caste-based political parties in India, and several state institutions provide affirmative action quotas for so-called lower castes in employment and education. Supporters have argued that updated caste data is necessary to identify those eligible for government assistance, while critics maintain that caste has no place in a country aiming to become a major global power.

India last recorded caste data in 2011 for the first time in 80 years, but the findings were not fully publicised due to concerns over accuracy.

The census is expected to conclude next March. Narayan said that several datasets, which are being recorded digitally for the first time, will be released soon after the exercise is completed.

(With inputs from Reuters)