The Census of India is a large-scale national survey conducted by the Government of India every ten years to gather data on the country's population, its socio-economic characteristics, and other relevant demographic information. Here are some key points about the Census of India:
1. Purpose: The primary purpose of the Census of India is to provide reliable and up-to-date demographic data for planning, policy formulation, and resource allocation at various levels of government. The data collected helps in understanding population trends, assessing the impact of policies, and designing development programs.
2. Frequency: The Census of India is conducted once every ten years. The first Census was conducted in 1872, and it has been held regularly since then. The most recent Census was conducted in 2011, and the next one is scheduled for 2021.
3. Data Collection: The Census collects a wide range of information, including age, sex, literacy, education, occupation, religion, language, fertility, migration, housing conditions, and various socio-economic indicators. The data is collected through house-to-house enumeration, where enumerators visit households and record the required information.
4. Scale: The Census of India is one of the largest administrative and statistical exercises in the world. It covers the entire country, including rural and urban areas, and aims to enumerate every person residing in India on a specific reference date.
5. Census Organization: The Census is conducted under the administrative control of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, who heads the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India (ORGI). The ORGI is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the Census activities at the national level.
6. Census Methodology: The Census employs a de facto method of enumeration, which means that individuals are counted at their usual place of residence on the reference date. The reference date for the Census is usually midnight of the 9th/10th of March.
7. Data Dissemination: Once the Census is completed, the collected data goes through a rigorous process of tabulation, analysis, and validation. The final results are published in the form of reports, statistical publications, and online databases. The Census data is made available to the public, researchers, policymakers, and various organizations for research, planning, and development purposes.
8. Privacy and Confidentiality: The Census of India is conducted under strict provisions of confidentiality. The information collected is confidential and used only for statistical purposes. The individual-level data is not disclosed or shared with any other government agencies, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of respondents.
The Census of India is an essential tool for understanding the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the country's population. It provides vital information for policy formulation, resource allocation, and monitoring of various development programs. The data collected helps in identifying socio-economic disparities, planning infrastructure development, and addressing the needs of different population groups.
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