More Than States

(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)

Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 06 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 06 June 2025

Topic: GS1: Indian Society (Census); GS2: Governance, Federalism, Policy Implementation

Context

India’s decadal Census, delayed since 2021 due to COVID-19, is now scheduled for completion by March 2027. This delay has sparked concerns about the lack of updated demographic data for planning and governance. Several states are now pushing for decentralised surveys to address real-time data needs, triggering debate on Centre–State roles in population data management.

Background: 

• The Census is constitutionally mandated and forms the backbone of demographic policymaking.

• India’s last official Census was conducted in 2011. The delay has created a vacuum in data essential for welfare distribution, infrastructure planning, and governance.

• In response, states are beginning to assert their right to collect independent, state-level population data.

Challenges Due to Census Delay:

• Welfare schemes (like food subsidies and housing) operate on 2011 population data.

• Emerging demographic trends like urban migration and ageing populations remain unaddressed.

• Inaccurate population figures affect delimitation, fiscal devolution, and infrastructure development.

State-Level Push for Decentralisation:

• Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and others are initiating their own caste or household surveys.

• These efforts challenge the centralised monopoly over data collection and highlight federal tensions.

• Decentralised efforts allow states to tailor policies to local contexts, improving effectiveness.

Governance Implications:

• Outdated data leads to poor policy targeting and underutilisation of funds.

• National-level decisions (e.g., parliamentary seat allocation) become misaligned with demographic realities.

• Real-time data improves disaster preparedness, healthcare outreach, and education planning.

Federalism and Data Ownership:

• The debate underscores the need to revisit the federal architecture in data governance.

• Cooperative federalism requires both levels of government to share responsibilities and data.

• The Census must become more adaptive, inclusive, and participatory.

Way Forward:

• The Union government should enable states to collect supplementary data under a common framework.

• A hybrid model — centralised Census plus state-led real-time data — can ensure both uniformity and flexibility.

• States must be equipped with digital tools and trained enumerators to ensure data reliability and privacy.

Comparative Snapshot:

Aspect	Centralised Census	State-led Surveys
Authority	Union Government (Registrar General)	Individual State Governments
Frequency	Once a decade	Annual or real-time potential
Coverage	Nationally uniform methodology	Localized, focused on specific needs
Utility	For national policy, planning, delimitation	Welfare schemes, local planning, caste surveys

Practice Question: Should India decentralise its population data collection by empowering states? Analyse in the context of governance and federalism. (GS Paper 2 | 250 words | 15 marks)