The census provides data on the country’s population’s size, distribution, socioeconomic, demographic, and other characteristics.
In 1872, the Census was first conducted by British Viceroy Lord Mayo. It aided in the formulation of new policies and government programs aimed at improving the community’s shortcomings.
In 1881, India undertook its first synchronized census. Since then, censuses have been conducted every ten years without fail.
Who is in charge of census:
The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is in charge of conducting the decennial Census.
Following information is collected in the census:
Demographic status
Literacy and educational details
Household Amenities & Housing details
Fertility, Mortality, and Urbanization details
Language details
Importance in History:
The ‘Rig-Veda’ suggests that a population count was kept in India during 800-600 BC.
The gathering of demographic data was prescribed in Arthashastr by ‘Kautilya’ in the 3rd Century BC as a gauge of state policy for taxes.
The administrative report ‘Ain-e-Akbari’ offered extensive statistics on population, industry, wealth, and many other qualities during the reign of Mughal monarch Akbar.
