Census Challenges Spark Concerns Over Indigenous Representation

Rapid Summary

• In 2013, demographer David Coleman predicted the decline of traditional population censuses.
• The prediction was based on advancements in digitization, rapid data transfer, and data linkage technologies.
• such innovations are reducing the reliance on traditional census methods.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Traditional population censuses have historically been a cornerstone of governance and planning in countries like India.While digitization and advanced technologies offer opportunities for quicker and more frequent data collection, transitioning from traditional methods may pose challenges. For instance, accuracy and inclusivity could become concerns if vulnerable parts of society-such as rural populations or marginalized communities-are underrepresented due to inadequate digital access or literacy.India’s reliance on census data for policymaking makes it essential to ensure that modernization in this field balances efficiency with equity to avoid potential gaps in representation or service delivery.

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