Census and the National Population Register (NPR)

The first phase of the census and collection of details to update the National Population Register (NPR) have been postponed at least till September.

 Mandatory requirements for Census:

Freezing of boundary limits of administrative units: Freezing of boundary limits of administrative units (boundaries of districts, sub-districts, tehsils, talukas, police stations etc.), at least three months prior, is a pre-requisite for conducting the census.

• For Census 2021, all the changes between January 1, 2010 i.e. after the date of freezing of boundaries for Census 2011 up to the date of freezing of boundaries for forthcoming exercise (presently up to June 30, 2022) are to be considered for finalising the administrative units.

 What is Census:

This provides information on size, distribution and socio-economic, demographic and other characteristics of the country’s population.

• The Census was first started under British Viceroy Lord Mayo in 1872. It helped in framing new policies, government programs to uplift areas of improvement in the community.
• The first synchronous census in India was held in 1881. Since then, censuses have been undertaken uninterruptedly once every ten years.

 Who conducts census?

The responsibility of conducting the decennial Census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

 The Census is one of the most credible sources of information on the following:

1. Demography.
2. Economic Activity.
3. Literacy and Education.
4. Housing & Household Amenities.
5. Urbanization, Fertility, and Mortality.
6. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
7. Language.