India Deploys Over 3 Million Workers as ‘Mega Census’ Begins

March 31, Kathmandu – India, the world’s most populous country, has commenced its ‘Mega Census’ today, Wednesday. Originally scheduled for 2021, this process was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has now started in 2026. Over the next year, more than 3 million government employees and enumerators will be deployed nationwide to carry out the census. This exercise is expected to reshape the map of India’s welfare programs and political representation.

In the initial phase, spanning one month, data on household details, living conditions, and physical infrastructure will be collected. Embracing modern technology, residents can now submit their information online through a smartphone app, a first in this census. The most debated and controversial aspect this year is the collection of ‘caste data.’ Beginning in September, the second phase will conduct a detailed survey addressing social, economic, and caste-related circumstances.

For the first time since 1931, India is collecting caste data on such an extensive scale. Previous governments refrained from this due to concerns that it might heighten social tensions. However, supporters argue that this data is essential to effectively deliver government benefits to targeted groups and ensure accurate implementation of affirmative action policies. Critics, on the other hand, warn that caste-based divisions could hinder the country’s progress on the global stage.

The census results could potentially alter the number of seats allocated to India’s Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. According to 2023 legislation, one-third of seats are reserved for women, so any increase in seat numbers is likely to significantly enhance female representation. The last census conducted in 2011 recorded India’s population at 1.21 billion. Current estimates exceed 1.4 billion, surpassing China and reinstating India as the world’s most populous nation.