Govt mulls new population census after Lok Sabha elections, economic data improvements: Report

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interim Budget 2024-25, the government allocated ₹1,277.80 crore for the census, a significant reduction from 2021-22 when ₹3,768 crore was allocated. It was then seen as an indication that the exercise may not be carried out even after three years of delay. However, Bloomberg cited sources as saying, “The government is also considering a new population census once elections are completed." According to the report published on Thursday, the census may include training and deploying over 3,00,000 government staff.

"The survey exercise would likely last about 12 months," a source said. Sources further informed that the Statistics Ministry made a few proposals to improve the quality of its economic data, which were discussed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office in the past month. ALSO READ: From 'pen-paper to digital': How India's first digital census will be conducted These proposals included "reviving its survey of businesses, last released in 2014, and publishing the household consumption survey on an annual basis," sources said.

"It also plans to introduce a uniform base year for key indicators and update the basket of goods for calculating inflation," they said. India’s Statistics Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office didn’t respond to requests for further information, Bloomberg reported. ALSO READ: More than 50% of India's population 25 yrs or older: Survey According to the report, the business survey will help officials better understand the economy’s shift away from farming to other industries.