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India, the Most Populous Country in the World, Launches Its National Census
- On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, India launched its long-awaited national census, deploying 3.3 million officials to survey over 1.4 billion people across the country.
- Originally planned for 2021, the census faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and national elections, succeeding the 2011 exercise which recorded 1.21 billion people.
- For the first time in more than seven decades, the exercise will include caste data; supporters argue this provides essential information for targeting welfare programs, though critics fear heightened social tensions.
- Updated population figures will inform the redrawing of India's political map, as New Delhi officials stated this data will streamline the distribution of government welfare programs.
- By March 2027, the government expects to compile granular data via a digital smartphone application, providing insights on migration and household incomes to support policymaking.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Millions of civil servants will count how many people live in India and will also record religion and caste. The outcome of the new census could have major political and social consequences.
The last census in India was more than 15 years ago. The government now wants to determine exactly which and how many people live in their country. The project also has delicate aspects.
NEW DELHI (AP) — India has begun the world's largest national population count, which could reshape social welfare programs and political representation across the country.
For this colossal exercise, 3 million agents will travel the territory to meet 1.4 billion inhabitants, an operation indispensable to map social and economic realities and adjust development policies.
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- 39% of the sources lean Left, 38% of the sources lean Right
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