Politicising the Census Will Not Be Forgiven by the People

— ✍️Dundra Kumara Swamy 

The census in India has a long and well-established history. Scientific enumeration was first introduced during British India. The first comprehensive census in India was conducted in 1872 under the supervision of the British Viceroy, Lord Mayo. The decision to undertake population enumeration was taken in 1865 and implemented in 1872. Since then, the exercise has been carried out every ten years without interruption. The last census under British rule was conducted in 1941. Post-Independence, India has continued this decennial tradition. However, the census scheduled for 2021 was deferred by the Union government due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing census process is now being conducted in two phases. The first phase enables self-enumeration, available from April 26 to May 10. This will be followed by the house-listing phase from May 11 to June 9, 2026. The transition to a digital census marks a significant shift, introducing mobile applications and online registration systems aimed at enhancing accessibility and participation.

A census is not merely a statistical exercise; it serves as a compass for nation-building. Numbers are not just digits—they reflect the social, economic, educational, and occupational realities of a society. Development without accurate enumeration is inherently flawed. Politicising such a critical process risks undermining national interests. At the same time, the absence of an accurate count of Backward Classes (BCs/OBCs) represents a significant gap. Decades after Independence, the lack of official clarity on the actual population of BCs continues to hinder the pursuit of social equity.

The digital census framework, with its provision for self-enumeration and a structured questionnaire of 33 questions, aims to capture a comprehensive socio-economic profile. While this initiative deserves appreciation, a fundamental question remains: can a census truly be comprehensive without explicitly enumerating BC/OBC populations? Various studies estimate that BCs constitute nearly 50–52% of India’s population. Yet, in the absence of official data, policy formulation continues to rely on approximations.

Ground realities reveal persistent inequalities. Across rural and urban India, as well as in informal settlements, BC communities continue to struggle for equitable access to opportunities. Disparities in education, employment, and healthcare remain pronounced. Surveys such as those conducted by NSSO and NFHS indicate higher dropout rates and a greater dependence on informal employment among BC populations. In such a context, how can targeted welfare policies be effectively designed without accurate demographic data?

From a broader social perspective, the census is not merely an administrative procedure; it is a mirror reflecting equality—or the lack of it. Without data, justice remains elusive. The absence of BC enumeration renders efforts such as the rationalisation of reservations, expansion of educational access, and skill development initiatives incomplete. It is estimated that nearly 70% of employment in India lies within the informal sector, with a substantial share comprising BC communities. If their actual position is not adequately reflected in policymaking, accountability must be questioned. Governance fundamentally relies on informed decision-making—accurate data is indispensable.

Two critical questions therefore arise:

Can inclusive development be achieved without enumerating BC populations?

Can social justice be ensured without knowing their actual numbers?

The government has stated that the information collected during the census will not adversely impact welfare benefits, which is reassuring. However, the same confidence should extend to the inclusion of BC enumeration. Citizens must be encouraged to provide information without fear, while the government must ensure that the process remains transparent and comprehensive.

The way forward is clear. A dedicated column for BC/OBC categories must be incorporated into the census. The digital platform should be designed to facilitate easy identification and classification. The collected data must be scientifically analysed to map regional and state-wise needs. Targeted policies in education, healthcare, and employment must be formulated based on this evidence. Only a committed and methodical approach can yield meaningful outcomes.

The census must not be reduced to a political agenda—it is too critical an exercise for that. Equally, the exclusion of BC communities from accurate enumeration would amount to a denial of social justice. Only a comprehensive, transparent, and equitable census can pave the way for balanced development.

As part of Census 2027, the self-enumeration process has commenced across Telangana. The facility will remain available for 14 days, from April 26 to May 10. Citizens can conveniently submit their details through the official portal: https://se.census.gov.in. Upon submission, individuals are advised to save their Self-Enumeration ID and present it to enumerators during field verification. The information provided will remain confidential and is protected by law. Following the completion of self-enumeration, the house-listing phase will be conducted from May 11 to June 9.

Given the significance of the census in shaping the country’s future, every citizen must recognise their responsibility and participate in this process with diligence and awareness.

- The author is the National President BC Dal and Chairman of National BC Reservation Struggle Coordination JAC.