Why in the News?
India has launched its first Digital Census with self enumeration starting in Assam. The online phase continues till 16 August, followed by House Listing from 17 August.
What is the Census?
The Census is the official collection of demographic, social and economic data of the population.
Key Facts
- Legal Basis: Census Act, 1948
- Authority: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs
- Frequency: Every 10 years (Decennial)
- Nature: Mandatory; information is kept confidential
- Constitutional Status: Union Subject (Entry 69, Union List)
What is Self Enumeration?
Households can submit Census details online instead of depending solely on enumerators.
Two Phases
- House Listing: Housing and household details
- Population Enumeration: Individual demographic details
Significance
- Improves data accuracy through digital verification.
- Enables faster processing and publication.
- Provides updated data for Delimitation, Welfare targeting, Reservation, Fiscal devolution, and Development planning
- Replaces reliance on 2011 Census data after the delay of the 2021 Census.
Prelims Facts
- First Census: 1872 (non synchronous)
- A non-synchronous census is a population count that is carried out at different times in different regions rather than all at once on a single date
- First synchronous Census: 1881
- A synchronous census is an official population count conducted simultaneously across an entire country within a specific, unified timeframe rather than at different times in different regions.
- Conducted by Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
- Census falls under the Union List.
[2009] Consider the following statements:
1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.
2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2