In 2011, the last census conducted in India classified parts of Hauz Khas in Delhi as rural, while today it is a trendy neighborhood for the wealthy. However, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 census has not been rescheduled. This delay has led to outdated data sets, affecting analyses on various aspects such as population aging and urban migration.
Experts emphasize the importance of conducting the census to ensure the accuracy of survey data and planning resource allocations. Without updated census information, government decisions regarding vaccines, education, and other resources may be compromised. Additionally, the census serves as a validation source for economic and health trend analyses, making it essential for understanding Indian society.
Undertaking a census for a population of 1.4 billion people is a massive undertaking that involves enumerators collecting detailed information about households. The 2011 census involved 2.7 million enumerators conducting face-to-face interviews with individuals in 240 million households. The 2021 census was expected to utilize a mobile app for data collection but was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The delay in conducting the census has led to unreliable projections at regional and local levels, affecting surveys on births, deaths, economic indicators, and health metrics. Without updated data, surveys may introduce biases and inaccuracies in representing the population. This poses challenges for tracking progress on various social indicators and understanding societal changes over the past decade.
Researchers are particularly concerned about studying trends in fertility rates and internal migration, given the significant societal changes in India since 2011. The lack of updated census data has also impacted government food subsidies for rural populations and the validation of smaller surveys conducted by researchers.
Some research groups have explored alternative data sources, such as the electoral roll published by the Election Commission of India and satellite mapping techniques. While these methods offer some insights, the accuracy and reliability of the data without updated census information remain a concern. The delay in conducting the census has raised frustrations among researchers and policymakers, highlighting the critical need for updated demographic data in India.
