2011 Census of India

India on May 1, 2010 launched “Census 2011,'' the biggest-ever census attempted in the history
of mankind enumerating the country's 1.2 billion population and classifying usual residents
according to their gender, religion, occupation and education.

The massive exercise, to be spread over next 11 months, will mark a milestone as the first-ever
National Population Register (NPR) will also be prepared in which all persons aged over 15
years will be photographed and fingerprinted to create a biometric national database. With this
India will probably become the first democratic nation in the world which would have got its
population fingerprinted in a year from now.

As the first citizen of the country, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil was the first person to be
listed in the decennial exercise. She appealed to her compatriots to follow her example “for the
good of the nation.''

“My appeal to all brothers and sisters of the country is to wholeheartedly take part in the gigantic
national tasks of Census and preparation of the first ever National Population Register. It is
important for the nation as well as you,'' she said after a delegation of the Census officials visited
Rashtrapati Bhavan and took down her information.

The delegation included Registrar General and Census Commissioner C. Chandramouli and
Deputy Director General, National Population Register, S.K. Chakraborty. Union Home Minister
P. Chidambaram, who was also present, said: “An exercise of this kind has not been attempted
anywhere else in the world. This exercise must succeed and will succeed. We will leave no stone
unturned to visit every village, every habitation in the country.''

The 15th National Census exercise, since 1872, will see over 25 lakh officials capturing the
socio-economic-cultural profile of its citizens. It will cost around Rs. 2,209 crore while the
expenditure on NPR will be Rs. 3,539.24 crore. The exercise will also consume more than 11
million tonnes of paper.

The Vice-President M. Hamid Ansari was the next one to be listed by the Census officials. Mr.
Ansari said the decennial census operation was a remarkable exercise and the first ever NPR was
a “unique initiative.''

During the massive exercise, the enumerators for the first time will collect information like
ownership of mobile phones, computers, internet, having treated or untreated drinking water
facility and usage of banking services. They will also seek additional information for the creation
of NPR. The government has already said that no information will be collected on castes as no
caste-based census has ever been conducted in independent India.

Mr. Chandramouli said the first phase, called the House listing and Housing Census, will be
conducted between this April and July.
The second phase, called the Population Enumeration phase, will be conducted simultaneously
all over the country from February 9 to 28, 2011, and the entire exercise would be completed by
March 5, 2011.

All 640 districts, 5,767 tehsils, 7,742 towns and more than six lakh villages will be covered.

Objects of the Census

Population Census can be viewed from two different angles. It provides an instantaneous
photographic picture as it was of a community, which is valid at a particular moment of time.
This is called the "static aspect" of the census. Secondly, it provides the trends in population
characteristics, the "dynamic aspect" of the population. Each census can be compared to an
individual film strip in the series of a movie film. Only from a succession of censuses of a
community it is possible to assess the magnititude and direction of the various demographic
trends.
Essential features of the Census
Some of the essential features of the census are as follows:

  Sponsorship: To conduct a census, vast organisation and considerable resources are

needed. The census organisation has to mobilise extensive administrative machinery
with adequate legislative authority. This can be done only by National Government
with the cooperation of States and Local Governments.
 Defined Territory:The population figures have no meaning unless they refer to a well
defined territory. The territory covered, alongwith any changes in its area in successive
censuses should be clearly and explicitly stated.
 Universality:Each person present and/or residing within its scope, without omission or
duplication should be included in the census to ensure completeness and accuracy of
census data.
 Simultaneity:The total population enumerated should refer to one well defined point of
time and the data collected should also refer to a well defined point or period of time.
This is essential to an accurate count of the total population and relationship of facts
about the population to a specified period of time. As a general rule, a day is fixed for
the census and also a particular moment which is called the "census moment". In India,
the "Census moment" now is the sunrise of 1st March, of the census year. The fixing
of the "census moment" helps the enumerators to decide which persons are to be
included in the census. The persons born after the census moment or the persons dying
before the census moment are to be excluded from the census. Some of the
characteristics of the population like age, marital status, occupation, literacy and
birthplace etc., are referred to a period of time usually from 10th February to 28th
February of the census year to ensure simultaneity.
 Defined Periodicity: Censuses should be taken at regular intervals so that comparable
information is made available in a fixed sequence. A series of censuses makes it
possible to appraise the past, accurately describe the present and estimate the future.
 Individual Units: Census data must be collected separately for each individual so that
detailed classifications may be provided in all the required combinations. A procedure
of "group enumeration" is not a census in the strict sense of the term because the
 recording of aggregated or summarized information on the characteristics of a group of
person usually precludes the cross-tabulation of data on several characteristics. Even
though a well-designed "group enumeration" can produce cross-classifications of
certain individual characteristics, such as sex and age, the possibilities in this respect
are so limited that the procedure is not recommended for general use, particularly since
it tends to result in under-enumeration of the population. 
       Individual enumeration does not preclude the use of sampling techniques for
obtaining data on specified characteristics, provided that the sample design is
consistent with the size of the areas for which the data are to be tabulated and the
degree of detail in the cross-tabulations to be made.
 Compilation and Publications: No census is complete unless the data collected are
compiled and published by geographic areas and by basic demographic variables. The
unpublished data is of no use to the potential users of the census data. That is why the
census should be limited to very important items which can be tabulated and published
in time.
 International Simultaneity: The census of any country is of greater value nationally,
regionally and internationally if it can be compared with the censuses of other
countries which are taken at approximately the same time. Censuses in most countries
of the world are conducted in years ending in 0 or 1. In India, the decennial censuses
are conducted in years ending in 1. International comparability is thus maintained. The
Indian census accompanies all the above features.

Information required during Census of India 2011

Census of India 2011 will involve collection of 2 types of data:

1. Data on your House & Assets: There will be a total of 35 questions which you need to
answer, with relation to the use of your house, facilities in the house (for drinking water, latrine
facilities, electricity, internet connectivity, etc), the assets in your home (appliances, computers,
etc.), possessions (mobile phones, etc), and so on.

2. NPR: Data collected for the NPR will need to be filled up in a form separate from data of .
This data includes the name of the person, gender, date & place of birth, marital status, name of
parents & spouse, relation to head of the family, present address & permanent address, duration
of stay at present address, educational qualification, and occupation. 

Method of conducting Census of India 2011

A Census enumerator will go from house to house to collect data for Census of India 2011. On
collecting the data, the enumerator will stick a small Census label at your doorway. The date
collected will then be submitted to the Unique ID Authority of India (UIDAI) for de-
duplication, after which the unique ID number will be provided. Subsequent updates will be done
by the Office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India.
Collection of Data

The census will involve three questionnaires, Houselisting, National Population Register and
Household.

Houselisting schedule
Houselisting Schedule contains 35 questions.
Ownership status of the
house
Number of dwelling
Availability of kitchen
Building number rooms
Fuel used for cooking
Census house number Number of married
Radio/Transistor
Predominant material of floor, wall couple the household
Television
and roof of the census house Main source of drinking
Computer/Laptop
Ascertain use of actual house water
Telephone/Mobile
Condition of the census house Availability of drinking
phone
Household number water source
Bicycle
Total number of persons in the Main source of lighting
Scooter/Motor
household Latrine within the
cycle/Moped
Name of the head of the household premises
Car/Jeep/Van
Sex of the head Type of latrine facility
Availing Banking
Caste status (SC or ST or others) Waste water outlet
services
connection
Bathing facility within
the premises

Household Schedule
Household schedule contains 29 questions.
Name of the person Other languages known Seeking or available for work
Relationship to head Literacy status Tavel to place of work
Sex Status of attendance Birth place
Date of birth and age (Education) Place of last residence
Current marital status Highest educational Reason for migration
Age at marriage level attained Duration of stay in in the place of
Religion Working any time migration
Scheduled during last year Children surviving
Caste/Scheduled Tribe Category of economic Children ever born
Disability activity Number of children born alive
Mother tongue Occupation Nature of during last one year
industry
Trade or service
Class of worker
 Non economic activity

National population register

National Population Register Household schedule contains 9 questions.

Name of the person and resident
status
Name of the person as should appear
in the population register
Relationship to head
Sex
Date of birth
Marital status
Educational qualification
Occupation/Activity
Names of father, mother and spouse

Once the information will be collected and digitalised, fingerprints and photos will be
collected. Unique Identification Authority of India will issue a 12-digit identification number to
all individuals and the first ID is expected to be issued in 2011.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is an agency of the Government of

India responsible for implementing the envisioned Multipurpose National Identity Card or
Unique Identification card (UID Card) project in India. It was established in February 2009, and
will own and operate the Unique Identification Number database.The authority will aim at
providing a unique number to all Indians, but not smart cards. The authority would provide a
database of residents containing very simple data in biometrics.

The agency is headed by a chairman, who holds a cabinet rank. The UIDAI is part of
thePlanning Commission of India. Nandan Nilekani, a former co-chairman of Infosys
Technologies, was appointed as the first Chairman of the authority in June 2009. Ram Sewak
Sharma, an IAS Officer of Jharkhand Government cadre has been appointed as the Director
General and Mission Director of the Authority. He is known for his best effort in e-Governance
project for Jharkhand State and working as an IT secretary he received a number of awards for
best Information Technology Trends State in India.
Launch

UIDAI launched AADHAAR program in the tribal village, Tembhli,

in Nandurbar, Maharashtra on 29th September, 2010. The program was inaguated by Prime
Minister, Manmohan Singh along with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The first resident to
receive an AADHAAR was Rajana Sonawane of Tembhli village.
Name and logo

UID project is known as AADHAAR meaning 'support' or 'foundation', and its logo is a yellow
sun with a fingerprint embedded in its centre. The logo was designed by Atul Sudhakar Rao
Pande.
Projected costs and business opportunities

One estimate of the cost to completely roll-out National IDs to all Indian residents above the age
of 18 has been placed at  150,000 crore (US$33.3 billion).[16] A different estimate puts it at US$
6 billion.[17] A sum of  100 crore (US$22.2 million) was approved in the 2009-2010 union
budget to fund the agency for its first year of existence.[1] UID has received a huge boost with Dr
Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Finance, allocating Rs 1900 crore to the Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI) for 2010-11.

Initial estimates project that the initiative will create 1000 new jobs in the country, and business
opportunities worth  6,500 crore (US$1.44 billion) in the first phase [10] of implementation.

Utility of Census

The Indian Census is the most credible source of information on Demography (Population
characterstics),Economic Activity,Literacy and Education,Housing & Household Amenities,
Urbanisation,Fertility and Mortality,Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Language,
Religion,Migration ,Disability and many other socio-cultural and demographic data since
1872.Census 2011 will be the 15th National Census of the Country.This is the only source of
primary data in the village ,town and ward level ,It provides valuable information for planning
and formulation policies for Central and the State Governments and is widely used by National
and International Agencies ,Scholars ,business people, industrialists,and many more.
 
The Delimitation/reservation of Constituencies- Parliamentary/Assembly/Panchayats and other
Local Bodies is also done on the basis of the demographic data thrown up by the Census .Census
is te basis for reviewing the country's progress in the past decade,monitoring the ongoing
Schemes of the Goverment and most importantly ,plan for the future. That is why the Slogan is "
Our Census Our Future".

As part of an integrated programme of data collection, the population census is the primary
source of basic national population data required for administrative purposes and for many
aspects of economic and social research and planning. The value of the census results is
increased if they can be employed together with the results of other investigations, as in the
use of the census data as a base of benchmark for current statistics. The usefulness of the
census is also enhanced if it can furnish the information needed for conducting other statistical
investigations. It can, for example, provide a statistical frame for other censuses and sample
surveys. The purpose of a continuing programme of data collection can best be served,
therefore, if the relationship between the population census and other statisitcal investigations
is considered when census planning is under way and if provision is made for facilitating the
use of the census and its results in connexion with intercensal sample surveys, with continuous
population registers, with other types of censuses and with civil registration and vital statistics,
and with labour force, educational and similar statistics. The use of consistent concepts and
definitions throughout an integrated programme of data collection is essential if the advantages
of these relationships are to be fully realized.

One of India's great national leaders, the late Shri Govind Ballabh Pant said of the census as
follows:

"In fact in these days you cannot take up any serious administrative, economic or social work
without referring to the Census Report which is an essential part of every enquiry, of every
study. Even for solution of minor problems you have often to consult the Census Reports."

I. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT USES 

Monitoring compliance with Federal law. Questions on ancestry, gender, race,

Hispanic origin, language spoken at home, place of birth, citizenship and year of entry
provide critical information for monitoring compliance with the Voting Rights Act, the
Civil Rights Act, and other anti-discrimination and affirmative action plan
requirements. 

Assessing economic well being. Accurate census data are critical for developing
accurate assessments of economic well-being for the Nation as a whole as well as for
different racial, ethnic, and regional populations. 

Assisting families and low-income populations. Accurate census data are critical for
programs that aim to identify areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation
loans; housing subsidies; job training and employment services; energy cost assistance;
and community economic development. Accurate census data also are critical to
allocating funds for supplemental food programs and other social services for women
and children. 

Assisting the elderly, the disabled, and veterans. Accurate census data are required
to determine and forecast the number of persons eligible for benefits based on age,
such as Social Security and Medicare and to forecast the number of persons eligible for
Social Security disability benefits. They are necessary to develop baselines for
reducing employment barriers faced by persons with disabilities and to allocate funds
for vocational education and rehabilitation programs for disabled workers. Accurate
census data are required to determine where to build veterans hospitals, to establish
baselines for veteran population projections, and to report to Congress on the needs of
 selected groups of veterans, such as Vietnam-era and female veterans. 

Education. The accuracy of census data affects the allocation of funding for numerous
Federal education programs such as vocational and adult education. 

Other. Census data on farm residence help USDA assess housing conditions and needs
on farms. Information on place of work and journey to work helps the Federal
government formulate national transportation and energy-use policies.

II. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT USES 

Drawing legislative boundaries. Decisions on redistricting and the determination of

state and local voting district boundaries require accurate census data. 

Education. Accurate census data are critical to local government agencies and school
boards trying to determine the need for new schools, including what type (elementary,
middle, or high school). 

Infrastructure, public health and environmental protection, and program

planning. Numerous state and local government planning responsibilities depend on
accurate census data, including determining the need for schools, highways, public
transportation, hospitals, libraries, and police and fire protection. Water and sewage
disposal information helps identify needs for water purification, treatment, or sewage
facilities. Farm data are used to allocate funds to land grant colleges, for cooperative
extension activities, and for grants to agricultural experiment stations. Accurate census
data make for better planning and implementation of a variety of programs, including
education and training, health, education, and social services. Accurate census data
help public health officials perform tasks such as locating areas in danger of ground
water contamination and waterborne diseases. They help environmental agencies
analyze energy consumption, identify conservation opportunities, and forecast energy
needs. 

Disaster relief. Accurate census information helps local governments predict

transportation needs in disaster recovery and contingency planning initiatives. The data
help governments and relief agencies in assessing the amount of displacement and the
shelter and recovery needs of populations affected by natural disasters such as floods,
hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. 

Assisting families, low-income populations, the elderly, the disabled, and

veterans. Accurate census data are necessary for appropriate state implementation of
Federal programs for these groups in areas such as housing assistance, energy cost
assistance, community development, and employment and social services. Accurate
census data also help city and community officials pinpoint areas that need special
programs such as meals-on-wheels and social service agencies identify special needs
such as telephone access in case of medical emergency.
III. BUSINESS USES 

Product development and marketing. Accurate census data on where people of

different ages live helps businesses of all kinds to develop and market their products.
For example:

o Manufacturers of baby products such as baby food, clothes, diapers, and toys,
and manufacturers of maternity clothes and greeting cards need accurate
information on children as they develop and market their product lines, as do
television producers of children’s programs and planners of large family
amusement parks.

o Architects, contractors, and real estate firms need accurate information on the
size and composition of households and their housing as they design, build, and
sell houses and apartments.

o Producers of consumer durables such as television sets, washing machines, and

home furnishings benefit from accurate information on households and their
characteristics.

o Accurate census information on language spoken at home helps television and

radio stations define foreign language service areas and marketing companies
develop products and services tailored to those who speak languages other than
English.

Forecasting demand. Businesses forecasting demand for their products require

accurate census data to develop these forecasts. Utilities depend on accurate census
data to develop long-range plans for new facilities and networks.

Location decisions. A variety of business location decisions are improved by accurate

census data. Examples include: businesses seeking to pinpoint areas to gauge potential
markets for locating new stores, plants, or warehouses; businesses interested in finding
sites having a labor force with certain education characteristics; building developers
and contractors selecting sites for new housing developments; and businesses seeking
to pinpoint areas of a city for locating new restaurants specializing in particular types
of ethnic food.

Providing equal opportunities and achieving compliance with Federal law.

Accurate census data help businesses set up and monitor affirmative action and anti-
discrimination plans. And they help companies to comply with anti-discrimination
legislation such as the Equal Employment Opportunities Act.

Examples of Business Use of Census Data. Newspaper accounts and census

questionnaires provide examples of businesses that use census data. 
 Numerous small businesses responded to a request for examples of business uses of
census data, but so too did some large companies. For example, one large fast-food
chain reported that for the past 20 years they had relied on decennial censuses to
perform market analysis and determine site locations for new restaurants. The company
also has used the Census Bureau’s TIGER Line files (a digital map database) to merge
their own proprietary information with the detailed social and economic data from the
decennial census for small geographic areas for use in its corporate planning.

Around the time of the last census, a prominent newspaper ran a lead article in its
Business section entitled, "For Business, Census is a Marketing Data Motherlode." The
article noted how retailers, such as one large general merchandise company, use the
census to fine-tune neighborhood promotions; how a large grocery chain used it to
study potential sites for new stores; and how one consumer products firm used it to
estimate sales of diapers a decade out. The article also described how banks use census
data to provide a basic demographic sketch of the neighborhoods around each of their
branches.

Examples of uses of census data culled from a sample of monthly activity reports from
the Census Bureau’s Regional Office Information Services Program include the
following:

o An independent television station in Philadelphia that is using ZIP code level

data for a viewer profile to design program and advertising strategies.

o A foreign language newspaper distributor seeking increased circulation in New

York, New Jersey, and Connecticut used census data to list languages spoken at
home in each county of the three states.

o A major advertising firm used census data on languages spoken at home in the
Chicago area to develop a new advertising campaign for a client.

o A district sales office for an automobile manufacturer is using ZIP Code and
city profiles for a market analysis that will be used to help local dealerships
develop sales campaigns.

o A real estate company in Colorado is using census data to determine which

languages to use on a series of instructional tapes on buying and selling real
estate.

IV. COMMUNITY GROUP USES

Delivering health, social, and educational services. In many cases, private social
service agencies and community groups have the same needs for accurate census data
as state and local government agencies that provide social services. Private groups
 benefit from accurate census data to set up and administer assistance programs for
children, teens, and older persons; to provide services that reflect cultural differences;
to teach English, and conduct voter registration drives; to provide housing and job
training for displaced homemakers; to provide veteran support services and promote
the need for veteran services and facilities.

Disaster relief. As with social services, non-governmental organizations benefit from

accurate census information in much the same way as governments when planning for
and responding to disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes.

V. INDIVIDUAL USES

Location decisions. Individuals can make better choices about home-buying, job

relocation, or starting a small business if they can take advantage of accurate census
information.

VI. ACADEMIC RESEARCH USES

Accurate census data are vital to researchers in a wide variety of endeavors. Some of
the most important needs include the following:

o Any research requiring comprehensive information at the neighborhood level

must rely on the census, with its tract level information.

o Research on ethnicity or other research requiring reasonable numbers of

observations of relatively small population groups must rely on the census.

o The decennial census is the only consistent source of data for researchers
examining trends over periods of decades.

o The census is the best source of information for research on immigration and
mobility.

VII. USES BY OTHER SURVEYS AND DATA COLLECTION

Serving as an important base for other surveys. Data from the decennial Census
form a crucial input into the sample designs of other national surveys such as the
Current Population Survey (the source of the nation’s unemployment statistics), the
Survey of Income and Program Participation, the National Crime Victimization
Survey, the Survey of Recent College Graduates, the Consumer Expenditure Survey
(the source for expenditure weights used in calculating the Consumer Price Index), and
statistics complied by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) and the
National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Calculating rates. Data from other sources are combined with data from the Census to
 compute rates of various indicators. For example, NCHS uses its own survey data
combined with Census data to calculate numerous vital statistics and rates for health
service utilization. Similarly, the Bureau of Justice Statistics uses Census data to
calculate imprisonment and victimization rates, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
uses Census data to calculate crime rates.

Creating national estimates. Census data are used to adjust surveys to be nationally

representative. For example, the NCES uses Census data to make its survey results on
education indicators reflect the total United States population.

Requirements

Census 2011 will require photographs and fingerprints of all 1.20 billion population for inclusion
in National PopulationRegister (NPR). 

Distinct features of Census 2011:

 Enumerators have to snap finger prints and photographs of all the residents
 Number of mobiles, computers and internet connections will be entered and summed up
to find out the total users in the country.
 Census 2011, 7th census after independence and 15th census since 1872, already started
on April 1, 2010, has to cover an estimated 1.2 billion residents living in 35 states and union
territoriesIt.

 24 crores households spread over 640 districts, 5767 tehsils, 7742 towns and approx. 6
lakh villages are likely to be covered by enumerators for 2011 census
 Approximate expanditure for the entire excercise is Rs 2209 crore
 National Population Register will cost Rs 3539.24 crore.
 As usual, President of India (Hon. Smt.Pratibha Patil) will be the first person to be
enumerated
 National Population Register (NPR) or computerized National Register of Indian Citizens
(NRIC) will be the used to allot a unique identification number (UID) by the Unique
Identification Authority of India(UIDAI)

 The UIDAI will assign Unique Identity Number (UID) to each resident in India and issue
UID similar to a smart card with UID number having details like name, sex, birth and
family details alongwith photograph of citizen. 

 It has been made clear that possession of UID card will not give guarantee of the
citizenship
 Census 2011 will be carried out in two phases: 1. House listing and housing census, 2.
Population enumeration phase

 It will take 45 days time to complete first phase in each state between April and July. 

 Simultaneously second phase will be conducted  from February 9 to February 28, 2011

  "Our Census, Our Future" is the slogan of Census 2011.

 Provisions of the Census Act 1948 and Rules will be used for the census exercise
whereas  provisions of the Citizenship Act and Rules will govern the creation of the
National Population Register (NPR) 
 Enumerators will visit each and every household  to collect details such as Name, Date of
Birth, Sex, Present Address, Permanent Address, Names of Father, Mother and Spouse etc
The data will be entered into computers. Biometrics such as photograph, fingerprints and
probably Iris information will be added for all persons aged 15 years and above
. For those who are below 15, UID number will be linked to parents and guardians.
 After authentication, the details will be sent to the Unique Identity Authority of India
(UIDAI) for de-duplication and issue of UID Numbers. 

 All duplicates will be eliminated based on comparison of biometrics. Unique ID numbers

will also be generated for every person.

 The database along with the UID Number will then be sent back to the Office of the
Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India (ORG&CCI) and would form the
National Population Register. 

 National Identity Cards will be given in a phased manner to all usual residents by the
Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. The issue of Cards will be
done first in the Coastal Villages and then in coastal towns will be covered.
 The information collected about individuals is kept absolutely confidential. In fact this
information is not accessible even to Courts of law. The preliminary census results are
expected to be declared on March 25, 2011.
 Help is being sought from NGO's. Senior members from different NGO's are selected for
training to help collection of data.