India Launches $1.25 Billion Census Effort

2.5 million workers are set to scour the country in the most complex demographic collection effort to date, reports the Times of India.

1 minute read

April 3, 2010, 5:00 AM PDT

By Akshali Gandhi


Though India takes its census every ten years just like in the States, 2010 will be much harder. Provided all goes according to the 11 month plan, though, the results should be much more rewarding.

The Indian government aims to not only collect demographic and biometric data, but also photographs and fingerprints from each of its billion-plus constituents. For the first time ever, residents will then each be given multi-use personal identity cards.

Keeping track of the one of the fastest growing populations in the world will be no easy task, admits Census Commissioner C. Chandramouli. The government is expected to spend Rs. 60 billion on the head count.

"India has been conducting national census since 1872," said Chandramouli. "Nothing -- floods, droughts, even wars -- has been able to stop it."

Thursday, April 1, 2010 in The Times Of India

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

3 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

30 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

1 hour ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive