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What is the Census of India?
Population census, known as the census, is the process of collecting, compiling and analysing the data on economic, social, or demographic areas at a specific period of a particular area or in the whole country. It provides data about the recent trend in the population and the situation of the country or any place. The census of India is one of the largest administrative exercises undertaken in the world. In India, the population census is done at a specific time interval of every 10 years.
Until 1951, a census organisation was set up to conduct the census of India. The census of India is conducted by the ministry of home affairs in India. It is conducted under provisions of the Census Act,1948. The bill for the act was piloted by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and it is listed under Article 246(7).
History of Indian Census
The Indian Census has a brief history. The proof is found in Indian literature.
‘Rig-Veda’ reveals that between 800-600 BC, our ancestors were maintaining the count. ‘Arthashastra’ by ‘Kautilya’ also states the collection of population data during the 3rd century BC. During the reign of Mughal Empire Akbar, the administrative report ‘Ain-e-Akbari’ included data related to economic, social, and industrial areas.
During the British colonial period, the census began in 1800. Later on, under the leadership of James Prinsep, a census was conducted in Allahabad in 1824 and Banaras from 1827-28. In 1830, Henry Walter did the first census of an Indian city in Dhaka. The second census was conducted from 1836-37 by Fort St. George.
The first non-simultaneous census was conducted in 1872 during the period of Governor-General Lord Mayo, but the first simultaneous census was conducted in 1881. Since then, the census has been conducted every 10 years.
Significance of the Census of India
There is a variety of significance and importance in conducting the census or population census, especially in a country like India, which is very densely populated with a vast number of people. It is as follows:
Source of Information: The census of India is the biggest source of various types of information on the characteristics of people living in India. The researchers and demographers use this census data to analyse and determine growth and trends in the population and take actions accordingly.
Better governance: The data collected in the census is used for administration, planning and policy-making within the country which results in better governance and betterment of the country.
Business: The census data is also helpful for business purposes as the business industries can analyse the data and can cover the uncovered areas for their better development.
Providing Incentives: The government of India allocates various grants and provides different incentives to the states according to census data.
Preparing Budget: The census data greatly helps in the allocation of the budget for the next period for the development of the country.
Events Regarding the Census of India
The first simultaneous census which took place on 17th February 1881 emphasises the demographic and social characteristics of British India except for Kashmir, and the French and Portuguese colonies.
The second census conducted in 1891 was with 100% coverage. Following the census in 1901, the census in 1921 was the only one that had shown a decline in the population due to the influence of the flu of 1918.
The eleventh census in 1971 was the second census in Independent India which added information on fertility. The fifth census after independence in 1991 ensured the change of literacy group to +7. The fourteenth census in 2001 witnessed a leap in technology. The fifteenth census in 2011 noticed the significant falls in Empowered Action Group States.
The sixteenth or last census until now in 2021 was postponed due to the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. The next census will be the first digital census in India including the provision of self-enumeration and a new column of Transgender will also be added as the head of the family members along with the male and female column.
According to the calculation, the next census of India will be conducted in 2031 after 10 years.
Conclusion
The population census is the process of collecting and assembling the data to analyse the recent growth and trend in the social, economic, and demographic characteristics of the population. The census of India is one of the most popular and systematic activities in India. It has a brief history which denotes that the process of counting the population has continued from the ancient era. The first census was conducted in 1881 and it has been going on every 10 years since. The last census which was in 2021 was postponed due to the covid pandemic, which will be the first digital census in India. As per the regular tenure, the next census of India is going to be held in 2031 according to the regulations and policies of India.
