As India starts its long‑delayed national census, the country faces the immense logistical challenge of counting a population estimated at more than 1.4 billion.

Economist Mitali Nikore, founder of Nikore Associates, spoke with DW about how this vast undertaking will work — and why the results matter more than ever.

Beyond population totals, Nikore emphasized that the census is a crucial tool for understanding who lives in India and where, what their incomes are, and which groups need social protection.

This includes marginalized communities such as minority religions and lower‑caste groups, who have historically faced structural barriers.

The data informs decisions on resource allocation, social security benefits, urban planning, and economic development. "I can't even stop counting the number of areas where the census becomes critical," she said.