Topic: population and associated issues
3. The Census provides population data for every village and town, data for the delimitation of constituencies and for determining the quantum of reservation. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Delay in the Census means that the data from the 2011 Census would continue to be used. In many towns and even panchayats that have seen rapid changes in the composition of their population over the last decade, this would mean that either too many or too few seats are being reserved. Delimitation of parliamentary and Assembly constituencies would continue to be based on 2001 Census till data from a Census after 2026 are published.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about benefits of collecting census data.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of census in India.
Body:
In the first part, discuss the advantages of census – essential for planning the provision of health care, education, employment, etc, helpful in the debate related to reservation policy, targeted poverty reduction programmes etc
Next, Discuss the limitations of census – creates chasms within society, historical apprehensions when such data was used to further divide and rule policy etc.
Conclusion:
Based on above arguments give a fair and balanced view as conclusion.
