India Launches First Digital National Census with Caste Enumeration

“India begins its $1.24 billion national census to survey 1.4 billion people, including the first caste enumeration in nearly a century following a pandemic-related delay.”

This source provides the specific budget and highlights the historic inclusion of caste data.

“a $1.2 billion project involving 3 million workers to collect data that will determine legislative representation and affirmative action policies.”

This highlights the massive workforce required and the census's role in redrawing political lines.