The 2027 Census of India
The 2027 Census of India is set to be the world's largest administrative exercise of its kind, providing a critical snapshot of the country's populace and serving as the foundation for policy design, scheme implementation, and fiscal allocation.
Technological Advancements
- Introduction of dedicated mobile apps for digital data collection.
- Geo-tagging of buildings and a real-time digital monitoring platform.
Recognizing Transitional Urban Areas
The Census aims to retain the same urban area definition as used in 2011, focusing on:
- Population size and density.
- Economic parameters.
This binary classification does not adequately capture peri-urban areas, which are important for planned growth and service provision.
Studies by the World Bank in 2010 indicated that 55.3% of India's population lived in areas with urban-like features, whereas Census 2011 recorded only a 31% urban population share.
Global and Local Urban Definitions
The UN Statistical Commission's 'Degree of Urbanisation' could aid in clearer delineation of urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.
Delhi’s agglomeration, including cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, and Ghaziabad, should be recognized by their true interconnected economic and labor market extents.
Adopting a Spatial Approach
- Implementation of an open-access geo-statistical portal.
- Use of thematic visualizations to highlight under-provisioned areas.
- Encouragement for municipal bodies to update information in real-time.
The use of static spatial grids facilitates a better understanding of changing patterns over time.
Innovations for Resilience and Inclusivity
Geo-statistical formats can help mitigate distortions and privacy concerns by using blended indicator-based themes.
Global examples, such as Mexico's INEGI and Britain's Ordnance Survey, demonstrate successful adoption of such formats.
The approach can be aligned with India's current platforms like Gati Shakti, maximizing impact and fostering a resilient urban future.
Conclusion
Adopting a geostatistical approach supports policymakers and other stakeholders in building innovative solutions for a rapidly urbanizing India.
