Inclusive Digital Census: Bridging the Data Divide

The Population Foundation of India urges an inclusive approach to India's first digital Census, highlighting the need for accuracy and equity. The organization stresses safeguarding data privacy while addressing risks of exclusion for marginalized groups amid India's significant demographic changes over the past decade.

The Population Foundation of India has welcomed the digitisation of the Census but cautioned that inclusivity is paramount, especially for those without phone access. Highlighting the need for a carefully designed digital-first approach, the NGO pointed out the risks of excluding marginalized groups from vital census data collection.

Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the organization, expressed concern that the absence of inclusive measures could leave vulnerable populations, such as migrants and women without phone access, uncounted. "Our country's governance is relying on outdated 2011 data, creating a significant blind spot in understanding our fast-changing demographics," she noted.

The organization underscored the importance of addressing data privacy and security issues, calling for public trust to ensure comprehensive participation. They advocated for a hybrid model supporting both digital and on-ground methods to achieve a successful and democratic Census in 2027, emphasizing accuracy, inclusion, and equity as priorities.