Census Countdown: Awaiting the Next Decadal Survey

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that the decadal census will be carried out at an appropriate time, with a formal announcement to follow. The exercise has been postponed since 2020 due to COVID-19. Speculations continue while demands for a caste census rise amidst budget constraints and upcoming general elections.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Saturday that the decadal census will be conducted at an appropriate time, and a formal announcement will follow. The census, initially scheduled for April to September 2020, has been on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shah made the comments during a press conference in Chhattisgarh, where he also discussed the Naxal issue with top civil and security officials. Despite various opposition parties demanding a caste census, the government has yet to announce any updates on this politically sensitive issue.

This year's budget allocated only Rs 1,309.46 crore for census surveys, a fraction of the estimated Rs 12,000 crore needed. The delay also factors in the general elections, making it unlikely for the census to proceed in 2024. A digital self-enumeration system is planned, mandating Aadhaar or mobile number collection and covering questions on household amenities and demographics.

(With inputs from agencies.)