Population and the Political Imagination: Census, Register and Citizenship in India

This book examines the issues and controversies surrounding the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizenship (NRC) in India, focusing on their impact on ethnicity and religion. It explores the linkages between census enumeration, counting, and classification of population and will be useful for students, researchers, and teachers of population studies, population geography, migration studies, sociology, political geography, and legal journalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 14 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate issues and contentious debates surrounding the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizenship (NRC) in India. By examining these vital demographic tools through the lens of ethnicity and religion, it sheds light on the complex connections between census enumeration, population counting, and the classification of individuals. This insightful work is designed to serve as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and educators specializing in population studies, population geography, migration studies, sociology, political geography, and legal journalism. It will also captivate the interest of political geographers, policymakers, legal journalists, political parties, NGOs, and civil societies, as it offers valuable insights into the socio-political dynamics of India.

The book begins by providing a historical background of the NPR and NRC, highlighting their significance in shaping India's demographic landscape. It then delves into the methodological challenges and ethical considerations associated with their implementation, emphasizing the potential for discrimination and marginalization. The authors explore the various controversies and legal challenges that have arisen in the aftermath of these initiatives, including concerns about data security, privacy, and the accuracy of the information collected.

Through a series of case studies and empirical analyses, the book examines the impact of the NPR and NRC on different ethnic and religious communities in India. It highlights the varying experiences and responses of individuals and groups, ranging from those who have faced discrimination and exclusion to those who have embraced the registration process as a means of asserting their identity and rights. The authors also analyze the political and social implications of these initiatives, exploring how they have influenced government policies, public discourse, and social cohesion.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the NPR and NRC in India. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between ethnicity, religion, and demographic processes, and its findings will be of interest to a wide range of scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders. By examining the issues and controversies surrounding these initiatives, the book contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of demographic data in shaping society and governance in India.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367563547