New Delhi, June 17 -- India's forthcoming Census with 1 March 2027 as its point of reference can put to rest many data controversies we have had recently. The quantification of public-scheme beneficiaries, projection of achievements and allocation of resources are currently based on population projections and estimates of their distribution across different geographical areas and social groups.

The projected total population figures from different national and international organizations differ so substantially that they can turn any development narrative upside down.

The Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council had raised the issue that using India's urban population share derived from the National Sample Survey (used in the absence ...