India to Finally Kickstart Long-Delayed Population Census

India is set to conduct its delayed population census from September, after criticism for years of postponement. The census, delayed due to COVID-19, will take 18 months to complete, with results expected by March 2026. This census will cover economic data, inflation, and jobs estimates.

India is finally poised to undertake its long-overdue population census this September, marking a pivotal move in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term amid ongoing criticisms about data gaps. Two government sources confirmed the commencement plans.

The decadal census, initially scheduled for completion in 2021, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials noted the survey would take approximately 18 months to finalize, with economists pointing out that the lag adversely affects other crucial statistical surveys, including those on economic data, inflation, and employment estimates.

Currently, most datasets and government initiatives rely on the 2011 census. With an end goal to release the latest results by March 2026, India's Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation have outlined an extensive timeline. A final approval from Modi's office is under anticipation.

(With inputs from agencies.)