Discuss in detail main sources of population data with special reference to India.

1. Introduction:

Population data is vital for understanding demographic trends, planning development interventions, and formulating policies to address socio-economic challenges. In India, a diverse array of sources provides population data, each serving specific purposes and capturing different aspects of demographic dynamics.

2. Census:

The decennial census conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India is the primary source of population data in the country. It provides comprehensive demographic information at national, state, district, and sub-district levels. The census collects data on population size, age distribution, sex ratio, literacy rates, household amenities, and socio-economic characteristics. The latest census, conducted in 2011, enumerated over 1.2 billion people across the country.

3. Sample Surveys:

a. National Sample Survey (NSS): The NSS is conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation to collect data on various socio-economic indicators, including population characteristics. It covers a representative sample of households and individuals and provides insights into consumption patterns, employment, poverty, health, and education.

b. District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS): The DLHS, conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, focuses on reproductive and child health indicators, maternal care, family planning practices, and utilization of healthcare services. It provides valuable data for monitoring health programs and assessing progress towards health-related goals.

4. Vital Registration System:

The Vital Registration System records births and deaths occurring within a jurisdiction and is managed by the Office of the Registrar General of India. While the registration of births and deaths is mandatory, coverage and completeness vary across states and regions. Vital registration data provide insights into fertility rates, mortality rates, life expectancy, and causes of death, facilitating public health planning and policy formulation.

5. Health Management Information System (HMIS):

The HMIS, implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, captures health-related data from health facilities across the country. It includes information on births, deaths, immunizations, disease prevalence, healthcare utilization, and infrastructure. HMIS data help monitor the performance of health programs, identify areas for intervention, and improve healthcare service delivery.

6. Population Registers:

a. National Population Register (NPR): The NPR is a comprehensive database of residents in India, containing demographic and biometric information. It was created as part of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) initiative to issue Aadhaar cards, which serve as unique identification numbers for residents. NPR data include details such as name, age, gender, address, and biometric identifiers.

b. Electoral Rolls: Electoral rolls maintained by the Election Commission of India contain information on eligible voters, including their demographic details. While primarily used for electoral purposes, electoral rolls also serve as a source of population data, especially regarding voting-age population and geographical distribution.

7. Administrative Records:

Government agencies maintain various administrative records that contain population-related information. These include records from education departments, employment exchanges, welfare programs, and social security schemes. While not specifically designed for demographic analysis, administrative records provide supplementary data for understanding population dynamics and service utilization patterns.

8. Conclusion:

Population data from diverse sources play a crucial role in informing evidence-based decision-making, policy formulation, and program implementation in India. The availability of comprehensive and accurate population data is essential for addressing socio-economic challenges, promoting inclusive development, and improving the well-being of the population. Therefore, continued efforts to enhance data quality, coverage, and accessibility are essential for advancing demographic research and facilitating informed policymaking in the country.