Census 2011 India

The 2011 Census of India, the 15th national census, was conducted in two phases—house listing and population enumeration—under Mr. C. Chandramouli’s leadership is the the Commissioner & Registrar General of the Indian 2011 Census. It covered all 28 states, 7 Union territories, 640 districts, 497 cities, 5,767 tehsils, and over 600,000 villages. The census provided critical data on demographics, housing, literacy, and migration, which have been essential for shaping India’s socio-economic policies and development plans.

The Indian Census 2011 is one of the most significant and comprehensive surveys conducted in the country, providing detailed insights into India's population structure, demographic trends, and various socio-economic indicators. This census, which marks the 15th in the series since the first was conducted in 1872, holds critical importance in understanding India’s diverse population. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, administrators, and planners who design welfare schemes and policies aimed at improving the lives of the people.

Population Data

The Census 2011 revealed that India’s total population had reached 1,210,854,977 which includes 623,724,248 males and 586,469,174 females. This vast figure confirmed India’s status as the second most populous country in the world, after China. The population growth rate during the decade 2001-2011 was recorded at 17.7% a slight decline from the previous decade’s growth rate of 21.5%, indicating the success of population control measures to some extent.

Sex Ratio

One of the critical aspects of the Census was the sex ratio, which stands at 940 females per 1,000 males. While this indicates a slight improvement from the 933 females recorded in the 2001 Census, the ratio remains skewed. Of particular concern is the child sex ratio (ages 0-6 years), which decreased to 914 females per 1,000 males, a figure that has alarmed social scientists and policymakers due to its indication of deep-rooted gender bias, female feticide, and social preferences for male children.

Literacy Rate

The Census 2011 recorded the national literacy rate at 74.04%, reflecting considerable progress from the previous Census (2001) when the literacy rate was 64.83%. The male literacy rate stood at 82.14%, while the female literacy rate, though improving, lagged behind at 65.46%. This gap highlights the gender inequality in access to education, though steps were being taken to bridge this divide through various government initiatives like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.

Population Density

The density of population in India was calculated to be 382 persons per square kilometer, marking an increase from the 324 persons per square kilometer recorded in 2001. States like Bihar were noted for their high population density (1,106 persons per square kilometer), while states like Arunachal Pradesh had a much lower density, reflecting India’s diverse geographic and population distribution.

Urban vs Rural Population

The Census also highlighted the continued dominance of the rural population, which accounted for approximately 68.84% of the total population, while the urban population made up 31.16%. However, the rate of urbanization had increased significantly, reflecting the migration from rural to urban areas due to better employment opportunities, education, and infrastructure.

Household and Housing Data

The Census 2011 also collected extensive data on households and housing conditions through the Houselisting and Housing Census. This information is vital for understanding the quality of human settlements and identifying housing deficits in the country. The census highlighted issues such as overcrowding in urban areas, inadequate housing in rural areas, and the need for better sanitation and drinking water facilities. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) was also studied, helping policymakers design housing and health-related welfare programs.

Trends in Social and Economic Indicators

The Census shed light on India’s socio-economic diversity, with data on caste, religion, occupation, and education levels. One of the significant findings was the high proportion of people working in the agricultural sector in rural areas compared to the growing industrial and service sectors in urban areas. The Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) were also accounted for, as this data plays a pivotal role in planning affirmative action programs.

Implications for Policy and Governance

The Census 2011 serves as an indispensable tool for the Indian government and its policymakers. Based on the findings, authorities can effectively draft and implement programs related to health, education, employment, housing, and public welfare.
For instance:

• Five-Year Plans and Annual Plans were structured to reflect the demographic realities of the country.
• Schemes targeting specific population segments, such as Mid-Day Meal schemes, Rural Employment Guarantee schemes, and PDS (Public Distribution System), could be designed using precise population data.

Child Population and Maternal Health

The Census 2011 found that the population of children aged 0-6 years was 158.8 million, which reflects the need for a focus on maternal and child health programs. The decrease in the child sex ratio and high infant mortality rates in certain areas of the country also prompted further attention to women’s health, the promotion of gender equality, and protection of the girl child.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its comprehensive scope, the Census 2011 was not without challenges. Concerns over the accuracy of data in remote or difficult-to-access regions, the underreporting of certain sections of the population, and gender biases in data collection were raised. Furthermore, although significant progress was noted in literacy, sex ratio, and urbanization, issues like regional disparities, inequality in resource distribution, and challenges in the full implementation of welfare schemes remained.

Conclusion

The Indian Census 2011 is a crucial document in understanding the evolving demographic, social, and economic landscape of the country. It serves as a benchmark for tracking progress in vital areas like literacy, health, gender equality, and urbanization, while also providing the government with necessary data to frame effective policies. The data generated by the Census helps in ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed and forms the foundation for long-term planning aimed at inclusive growth and development for all citizens of India.