The Census and the Remaking of a People, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Census 2027 will influence delimitation, caste enumeration, and national resource allocation.
• First digital census will expedite data processing, impacting parliamentary seat distribution.
• Introduction of a caste census and women’s reservation may transform identity-based politics.
• Raises concerns over inter-State representation due to population disparities.
• Coincides with the 16th Finance Commission and revenue-sharing debates.

Detailed Insights:

• Risk of political power imbalance: Using population as the sole basis for delimitation may shift political influence toward high-population but economically weaker northern and central States, diminishing the representation of low-birth-rate and high-income southern States.
• Caste enumeration returns after 90+ years: For the first time since 1931, all caste groups will be counted, which may intensify identity-based politics and demands for lifting the 50% reservation cap.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Delimitation: The act of redrawing boundaries of electoral constituencies based on population data.
• Political Demography: Study of how demographic changes influence political structures and outcomes.
• Digital Census: Use of electronic data collection tools for faster and more accurate enumeration.

Mains Mock Question:

Q. _The Census is more than a demographic exercise — it is a political act that shapes identity, representation, and resource allocation. Discuss in the context of the upcoming Census 2027 and its implications for federalism and social justice in India_.