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."

FULL STORY: Counting a billion: India begins new census

Thursday, April 1, 2010 in The Times Of India

Social / Demographics India Census India

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