India's Delayed Census Begins Amid Caste Count, Delimitation Concerns

India has commenced its long-delayed 16th national census, rescheduled for 2026-27, marking the first comprehensive population count in over a decade. Originally due in 2021, the exercise faced postponements, primarily citing the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges. A key controversy surrounds the inclusion of caste enumeration, a first since 1931, which the government initially opposed but later agreed to amid political pressure. Concerns also persist regarding the potential linking of census data with the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), raising data privacy issues. Additionally, southern states fear a loss of political representation during future delimitation based on new population figures. The prolonged delay has created substantial data gaps, hindering effective policy planning and welfare initiatives.