Census 2027: Rendering Poverty Invisible?

Synopsis: The decision to remove 'begging' as a distinct category in Census 2027 marks a significant shift in how the state perceives and engages with marginalized populations. While some argue this reflects a move toward a more humane, welfare-oriented approach, others worry it merely renders the most vulnerable invisible. This change highlights the ongoing tension between bureaucratic data collection and the complex reality of human dignity.

As I reflect on the evolving nature of our societal self-portraits, I am drawn to a significant, albeit quiet, change in the upcoming Census 2027. For the first time, data on 'begging' will no longer be recorded as a distinct category. Instead, those previously classified as 'beggars and vagrants' will be folded into a broader 'others' category among non-economic workers.

The Shift in Perspective

This administrative decision—detailed in recent reports like In a first, Census 2027 will not record data on begging—comes with a stated rationale: the data from previous exercises was considered unreliable. With only around 3.8 lakh individuals identifying as such in 2011, authorities suggest that social stigma led to widespread underreporting.

From one vantage point, this could be interpreted as a step toward de-criminalizing poverty. By removing a label often tied to colonial-era policing and stigma, the state might be signaling a shift toward addressing root causes—such as homelessness, lack of social security, and disability—rather than managing a population through a derogatory classification.

The Cost of Invisibility

However, we must ask: does administrative convenience come at the cost of social visibility? When we stop counting, do we stop caring?

There is a profound danger in burying these lived experiences within a generic 'others' bucket. If the state lacks granular data on the specific needs of those forced into begging, how can it design targeted welfare programs? As figures like Rahul Gandhi, and leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge have argued in their broader critique of the Census's methodology, data is the bedrock of social justice. Without accurate numbers, we are essentially operating in the dark when it comes to allocating resources to the most vulnerable.

Continuity and Reflection

I have often emphasized that to solve a problem, we must first be willing to name and measure it. Whether we are discussing the complexities of the Caste Census debate or the identification of marginalized groups, the state's reluctance to engage with 'messy' data often leads to policy failure.

Experts like Pronab Sen have consistently noted that the integrity and utility of census data depend on clarity and focus. If we hide the realities of the destitute under the guise of modernization, we do not solve their plight; we merely sanitize the report cards of the nation.

We must ensure that the transition away from stigmatizing categories does not lead to a complete abandonment of the demographic realities that require our collective intervention. True immortality lies in building a society that leaves no one behind, which begins with acknowledging that everyone exists.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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