Census preparations may kick off in the country next year. After a four-year hiatus, the census process will resume in 2025. Significant developments have emerged regarding the census conducted by the Central Government.
The government postponed the 2021 Census due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it plans to restart in 2025, with the process expected to continue until 2026.
Concerns now arise over potential changes to the census cycle. Traditionally, the census occurs every ten years, as seen in 1991, 2001, and 2011. If the census takes place in 2025, the subsequent census will follow the same ten-year interval, occurring in 2035, 2045, and 2055.
After the census concludes, officials will begin the delimitation of Lok Sabha seats. The re-delimitation process may wrap up by 2028. Many opposition parties have also called for an ethnic census, but the government has yet to make a decision regarding this request. Officials have not yet released the details of the census process.
Typically, censuses inquire about religion and caste, including Common, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. Reports suggest that this time, the census may also ask individuals which community they belong to.
The upcoming census round is likely to cover general, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe enumerations, along with surveys on religion and social class. Additionally, sources indicate that next year’s census might include sub-community surveys within the general and SC-ST categories.
For instance, in Karnataka, the common caste Lingayats view themselves as a distinct community. Likewise, within the Scheduled Castes, various communities exist, such as Balmiki and Ravi slaves. This indicates that the government is considering census demands based on religion, caste, and community.