India's federal cabinet has approved funds for a census and population survey to be conducted next year.
More than AED 6.5 billion will be set aside for carrying out the census and updating the National Population Register (NPR).
The census will collect data on population, economic activity, as well as social and cultural aspects, while the NPR is intended to create a comprehensive identity database of every resident of India.
The move comes amid concerns that the data could be used to build a controversial citizens register, but the government has denied such claims.
The country has seen widespread protests in recent days against a new law which aims to fast-track citizenship for non-Muslim minorities from neighbouring Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Thai teen kills 7 in rampage at home and school before shooting himself
US appeals court blocks Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom project
Spain dismantles one of Mediterranean's largest human smuggling networks
Syria says bomb on minibus near Damascus wounded 14, deaths reported mistakenly
Spain hopes to transfer migrant minors to mainland within weeks
