The Center will begin the census in 2025, while the Lok Sabha delimitation exercise is scheduled for 2028.

NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi-led NDA government is set to begin the long-delayed census in 2025 with a target of completing it by 2026. This will be followed by a nationwide process of delimiting Lok Sabha constituencies, which is expected to be completed by 2025. 2028.

This was reported by a government source TNIE that preparations are being made to begin the decimal census (excluding caste census) in 2025 with a view to denying the opposition the opportunity to raise issues related to it ahead of assembly elections in states like Bihar and others.

Sources further hinted that the census was proposed to begin in 2021, but could not be conducted due to the onset of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The country’s last decennial census was conducted in 2011; After this, a population census was not carried out, although demands for one from various political parties continued all the time. The Congress-led opposition has stepped up its criticism of the Modi government, especially on the issue of caste census.

Sources suggest that a caste census is unlikely and the government is expected to conduct a national census instead.

The purpose of this census is to provide data on population growth, development indices and other factors necessary for long-term planning and effective management. The government is developing a plan to mobilize large numbers of manpower to complete the census within the specified time frame.

“National Census data will be publicly available by 2026 as the census will be conducted on a missionary basis,” said a senior government source, adding that the process of delimiting LS constituencies will follow the national census across the region. country.

Political circles are speculating that the Lok Sabha constituency delimitation process will increase the number of seats in some states and adjust the boundaries of existing constituencies based on population distribution.

“The process of delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies should be completed a year before the next LS elections, which will be held in 2029,” the source said.