Census Gets Only INR 575 Crore Funding
In a move raising concerns across political and administrative circles, the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated a mere INR 575 crore for the upcoming census, a figure drastically short of the INR 12,000 crore required to effectively carry out this crucial nationwide exercise. This significant funding gap casts fresh doubts over the timely execution of the decadal census, originally scheduled for 2021 but repeatedly postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent administrative delays.
The census, which plays a pivotal role in policy planning, resource allocation, and governance, was expected to resume after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the modest budget allocation signals a continued lack of urgency from the government, with no clear timeline in sight for initiating the process. The delay has broader implications beyond data collection. The reorganisation of constituencies—slated for 2026 and crucial for adjusting the number of Lok Sabha and state assembly seats—relies heavily on updated census data. A further postponement could derail this process, affecting electoral representation and governance structures across the country. Political parties have been vocal about the issue. The Congress and other opposition groups have demanded a caste-based census, citing its importance for targeted welfare schemes and social justice. While the BJP had previously opposed such a move, it now appears to be treading cautiously, possibly due to shifting political dynamics.
Census Budget Snapshot:
- INR 12,000 crore: Estimated expenditure required for the census
INR 8,754 crore: Approved by the Cabinet in 2019
INR 4,000 crore: Allocated for the National Population Register (NPR) programme
INR 3,768 crore: Budget allocation for 2021-22
INR 578 crore: Allocation in the 2022-23 budget
INR 1,309 crore: Initially expected in the 2024-25 budget
INR 572 crore: Provision in the revised budget for 2024-25
INR 575 crore: Allocation in the 2025-26 budget
The stark contrast between the expected and actual allocations indicates that the government may be deprioritising the census in favour of other policy areas. Experts argue that without accurate, updated population data, the effectiveness of government schemes, welfare initiatives, and economic planning will be severely compromised. As India grapples with challenges related to urbanisation, migration, health, and education, the absence of comprehensive census data could leave policy gaps that affect millions. The need for a robust, well-funded census is more critical than ever, and the current budgetary provisions raise serious questions about the government’s commitment to this fundamental exercise.
