Children urge Centre to publish age-disaggregated data in next Census

By A Representative 

A nationwide child-led advocacy group has called on the Union Government to ensure that the upcoming National Census captures data on children across three distinct age groups, arguing that the current system masks the realities of millions of adolescents.

The National Inclusive Children’s Parliament (NICP), part of the NINE IS MINE campaign, has submitted a formal representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, and the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner. The appeal seeks publication of Census findings separately for children aged 0–5, 6–14, and 15–18 years.

The initiative is led by 17-year-old Child-President Nikky, who said that teenagers often disappear statistically when counted alongside adults. “When children above 14 are merged with adults, the specific challenges we face remain invisible,” she wrote on behalf of the Parliament.

Child-rights organisations argue that grouping adolescents with adults is a longstanding concern that limits policy response in health, education, protection, nutrition, labour rights and climate-linked vulnerabilities. India’s children account for nearly 20% of its population, yet the 15–18 age bracket is rarely reported as a distinct category in national datasets.

Campaign representatives say that disaggregated Census data would strengthen accountability, enable evidence-based policymaking and ensure resources are directed to communities most in need. “This is about inclusion and recognising children as rights-holders,” the communication states.

The National Inclusive Children’s Parliament, comprising representatives from across the country, described the appeal as a “call for child-centred governance” and urged media support to amplify children’s demands.

A copy of the letter submitted to the Home Minister has been circulated publicly as part of the campaign.