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.
Two people pulled alive from Nepal hydropower tunnel
Typhoon Saudel brings torrential rain, flooding to China's coastal areas
US investigates deadly strike on Iranian wedding
Nepal flood losses estimated at $2.56 billion, official says
Kuwait air defences deal with Iranian missile, drone attacks
Nepal to rebuild early-warning system on China border after deadly flood, sources say
US House passes bill to crack down on university boycotts of Israel
Spain's PM Sanchez says no evidence Morocco orchestrated Ceuta border surge
