India Launches Massive Census to Count 1.4 Billion People for 2026 India has initiated a massive census operation to count its entire population, which is projected to reach 1.4 billion people. This census, delayed by the pandemic and administrative challenges, marks a significant undertaking as it aims to capture the demographic and socioeconomic landscape of one of the world’s most diverse nations. Over the next year, more than three million enumerators will conduct door-to-door surveys across urban centers and remote rural areas, collecting data on household conditions, social characteristics, and economic indicators. The final results will not be released until 2027, reflecting the complexity and scale of the effort. The census, which will be the first in 16 years, follows a decade-long gap since the last official count in 2011. At that time, India’s population was estimated at over 1.2 billion, but recent projections suggest it has surpassed China to become the world’s most populous nation. The demographic shift is notable, with over 40% of India’s population under the age of 25. The median age of 28 in 2023, compared to China’s 40, highlights a “demographic dividend” that could drive economic growth if properly harnessed. However, the uneven distribution of prosperity remains a challenge, with poverty persisting despite India’s rise as the world’s fifth-largest economy. The census will be conducted in two phases, covering all 26 states and federally administered territories. The first phase will focus on assessing household conditions, including housing materials, ownership status, and access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, and cooking fuel. Enumerators will also gather data on household assets such as internet connectivity, television, radio, smartphones, and vehicle ownership.#india #united_nations #demographic_dividend #census_2026 #caste_data
India Youth Unemployment Crisis: Demographic Dividend or Damocles’ Sword The State of Working India 2026 report by Azim Premji University has highlighted alarming trends in India’s youth unemployment, raising concerns about the country’s ability to harness its demographic dividend. While India boasts 367 million young people aged 15 to 29, a significant portion remains without stable employment, exposing a critical gap between educational expansion and job creation. The report underscores that despite rising educational enrollment, narrowing gender gaps, and reduced caste disparities, the economic benefits have not translated into meaningful opportunities for graduates. Approximately five million graduates enter the job market annually, yet unemployment among this group remains persistently high, hovering around 35%-40% for over four decades, from 1983 to 2023. Even recent economic recovery efforts, such as the addition of 83 million jobs post-pandemic, have not resolved the issue. While total employment rose from 490 million to 572 million, nearly half of these new jobs were in agriculture—a sector plagued by low productivity and disguised unemployment. This pattern suggests that India’s labor market remains skewed toward low-quality employment, failing to generate the skilled, well-paying jobs needed to sustain its young workforce. The report also points to structural challenges in India’s economic strategy. Unlike some Southeast Asian neighbors that prioritized manufacturing and exports for growth, India has heavily relied on skill-intensive services, particularly the information technology sector. While this has created some employment, it has not addressed the broader need for diversified industrial development.#unemployment #india #azim_premji_university #state_of_working_india_2026 #demographic_dividend
