India Undertakes Landmark Census: Challenges and Innovations in Counting 1.4 Billion

India has embarked on a significant census operation, aiming to account for its entire population estimated at 1.4 billion. The census, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, began on Thursday across five states and three federal territories, marking the first phase of the year-long exercise.

Over 3 million officials, predominantly school teachers, are tasked with visiting every household in all 36 states and territories, covering around 640,000 villages. The operation will take place in two stages: an initial survey of housing conditions followed by the collection of data on residents' economic and social parameters.

This census introduces new technological advancements, such as a mobile app and web-based portal for management and monitoring, allowing people to self-register online in advance. Additionally, for the first time in decades, caste details will be gathered in the second phase of the survey, providing essential data for social policies.