India's Census Delay: A Looming Crisis with Real-World Impacts
The postponement of India's 2021 Census has triggered a data crisis with consequences far beyond simple numbers. This ten-year survey, crucial for socio-economic planning, was delayed due to the pandemic. Now, the lack of recent data is creating a ripple effect across various sectors. Policy and Planning in the Dark: Consider the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a government scheme providing subsidized LPG connections to low-income families. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a social worker in Delhi, explains, "Without recent data on population shifts and economic status, many deserving families, especially those who recently migrated to urban areas, might miss out on the PMUY benefits." Outdated data can lead to inefficiencies in such crucial social programs. Businesses Hit the Pause Button: Businesses rely on census data to understand consumer demographics and make investment decisions. For instance, Mr. Shah, owner of a clothing store chain in Bengaluru, says, "The abse