2011 Census of India

2011 Census of India
President's Secretariat · GODL-India · source
Name	2011 Census of India
Country	India
Previous census	2001 Census of India
Previous year	2001
Next census	2021 Census of India
Next year	2021
Date	9–28 February 2011
Population	1,210,854,977
Percent change	17.70%
Region type	most populous state
Region	Uttar Pradesh
Region pop	199,812,341
Region type2	least populous state
Region2	Sikkim
Region pop2	610,577
Blank info title	Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
Blank info	SC: 16.6%; ST: 8.6%

2011 Census of India was the 15th national census conducted by the Government of India and the 7th since its independence. Organized by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, it was the largest administrative and statistical exercise in the world at the time, involving over 2.7 million enumerators. The census recorded crucial data on the population, housing, literacy, and socio-economic conditions of the nation, providing a vital statistical foundation for policy planning and resource allocation.

Background and preparation

The decennial census was mandated under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948 and conducted under the administrative leadership of C. Chandramouli, the then Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. Extensive preparation began years in advance, involving the creation of detailed administrative and electoral maps. A significant innovation was the introduction of the National Population Register, which aimed to create a comprehensive identity database, and the use of Satellite imagery for improved demarcation. Training programs were conducted nationwide for the massive workforce, which included officials from the Indian Administrative Service and state governments, to ensure standardized data collection across diverse regions from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Key findings and demographics

The census counted a total population of 1,210,854,977, making India the second-most populous country after the People's Republic of China. The most populous state was Uttar Pradesh, while the least populous was Sikkim. The national sex ratio showed a marginal improvement to 940 females per 1000 males, with states like Kerala performing significantly better. For the first time since independence, the decadal population growth rate fell below 20%, recorded at 17.64%. The census also highlighted a continuing trend of urbanization, with the urban population rising sharply, particularly in metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.

Population and housing statistics

The enumeration gathered exhaustive data on housing conditions, including the availability of drinking water, electricity, and sanitation facilities. It reported that 67% of households had access to drinking water within their premises, while 43% had tap water. Data on housing material revealed socio-economic disparities, with a significant rural-urban divide. The census also meticulously counted homeless populations and people living in slums, providing critical data for schemes like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. The average household size was recorded as 4.8, showing a gradual decline from previous decades.

Literacy and education

The literacy rate, a key human development indicator, was recorded at 74.04%, a notable increase from the 64.83% recorded in the 2001 Census of India. The state of Kerala retained its top position with a 93.91% literacy rate, while Bihar lagged at 63.82%. The male literacy rate stood at 82.14% and the female literacy rate at 65.46%, indicating a persistent but narrowing gender gap. The census data on educational attainment, from primary to higher education, informed policies and funding for programs like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

Religion and caste data

The census collected data on religious composition, revealing that Hinduism was followed by 79.8% of the population, Islam by 14.2%, Christianity by 2.3%, Sikhism by 1.7%, and other faiths including Buddhism and Jainism making up the remainder. For the first time since the 1931 Census, data on socio-economic status of castes was collected separately, though this detailed caste enumeration was not published with the main census data. This separate exercise, known as the Socio Economic and Caste Census, was intended to inform reservation and welfare policies.

Criticism and controversies

The census faced several criticisms, including concerns over the accuracy of data collection in conflict-affected regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeastern states. The methodology for counting migrant and nomadic populations was also questioned. Major controversies arose around the collection of caste data, with debates over its political implications and potential for reinforcing social divisions. Delays in the release of the Socio Economic and Caste Census data led to accusations of bureaucratic inefficiency from political parties including the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Furthermore, human rights organizations raised privacy concerns regarding the linkage of census data with the National Population Register and the proposed Aadhaar project.

Category:Censuses in India Category:2011 in India Category:2011 censuses