India’s long-awaited census exercise is finally set to begin in 2025, according to sources cited by India Today. The exercise, delayed by four years, is projected to be completed within a year. Following the census, the delimitation of Lok Sabha seats will commence, aiming to be finalized by 2028.
This significant delay in the census process has implications for various aspects of governance and policymaking. The census provides crucial demographic data that informs decision-making on a wide range of issues, including resource allocation, social welfare programs, and electoral representation.
The delay also impacts the upcoming delimitation of Lok Sabha seats, which is based on census data. This process involves redrawing electoral boundaries to ensure equal representation in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament. The delayed census could potentially affect the allocation of seats across different states and regions.
While the government has cited various factors for the delay, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on electoral representation and data collection for policy decisions is a key concern. The upcoming census and delimitation exercise will be closely watched as they hold significant implications for India’s political landscape and national development.
