AKIPRESS.COM - The Indian cabinet has approved funds for a census and a population survey to be held next year despite weeks of protests over a citizenship law that critics say is anti-Muslim, BBC reports.

Authorities say the updated National Population Register (NPR) will be a comprehensive list of all residents.

However, critics say it will be a list from which "doubtful citizens" will be asked to prove they are Indian.

More than 20 people have died in protests over the citizenship law.