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GS - Census

1) The document provides an overview of gender composition and trends in sex ratio in India based on Census data. It notes that the national sex ratio has risen to 940 females per 1000 males according to the 2011 Census, up from 933 in 2001. 2) At the state level, sex ratios vary widely. Some northern states like Haryana and Punjab have ratios below 900 females per 1000 males while some southern states like Kerala have ratios over 1000. The ratio has generally been increasing in India since the 1970s but remains below950, a goal of the national government. 3) Internationally, sex ratios also vary significantly by country. While most Asian countries like China and India have more males, some European
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
133 views50 pages

GS - Census

1) The document provides an overview of gender composition and trends in sex ratio in India based on Census data. It notes that the national sex ratio has risen to 940 females per 1000 males according to the 2011 Census, up from 933 in 2001. 2) At the state level, sex ratios vary widely. Some northern states like Haryana and Punjab have ratios below 900 females per 1000 males while some southern states like Kerala have ratios over 1000. The ratio has generally been increasing in India since the 1970s but remains below950, a goal of the national government. 3) Internationally, sex ratios also vary significantly by country. While most Asian countries like China and India have more males, some European
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5

GENDER COMPOSITION OF THE


POPULATION
Figures

! Maps " Tables/Statements # Notes

5
Gender Composition of the
Population
Equality between women and men is a matter of human rights and
a condition for social justice and is also a necessary and fundamental
prerequisite for equality, development and peace
Beijing platform for Action.(UN Fourth Conference on Women)
INTRODUCTION

The Census of India has been customarily collecting and presenting


disaggregated data for male and female population. The composition of
population by gender is one of the primary demographic characteristics of
human population around which meaningful analysis is woven.
Gender composition reflects natality, mortality and migration character of a
given population. Distribution pattern of male and female in a population
affects relative roles and economic relationships. There are different tools to
measure gender equity in a population. Sex ratio is one such widely used tool
for cross sectional analysis to measure gender balance. Sex ratio is defined in
the Census of India as the number of females per 1,000 males in the population.
According to the provisional population totals of Census 2011, out of a total
population of 1,21,01,93,422 persons, 62,37,24,248 are males and 58,64,69,174
females. As per this, the sex ratio of India is 940. The sex ratio at the National
level has risen by seven points since the last Census in 2001. This is the
highest since 1971.
Composition of Population by Gender-World Trends
The composition of population by gender is not
uniform and shows diverse patterns across different countries of the world. Statement-11 and Figure
17 present the sex ratio in the ten most populous
countries in the world during 2001 and 2011. It
has been estimated that around the year 2011, the
world will have 984 females against 1000 males.
As is evident from the Statement, in USA, Russian
Federation, Japan and Brazil females outnumber
males, in the other six countries the balance is
tilted towards the males. When compared to the
previous decade, China, Indonesia, Nigeria and
USA have shown a decline in the sex ratio in the
present decade. The decline has been particularly
sharp in Nigeria and Indonesia. The sex ratio in
USA, Russian Federation and Japan has always
remained above unity despite minor variations.
78

Gender Composition of Population

" Statement 11
Sex ratio of selected countries
Sl. No
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Country
2
World
China
India
U.S.A.
Indonesia
Brazil
Pakistan
Russian Fed.
Bangladesh
Japan
Nigeria

2001
2
986
944
933
1,029
1,004
1,025
938
1,140
958
1,041
1,016

2011
3
984
926
940
1,025
988
1,042
943
1,167
978
1,055
987

# Source
1.

2001-World Population Prospects (mid year estimates) 1998

2.

2011-World Population Prospects 2008 revision UN.


Rates have been worked out for India based on the provisional Census
2011 and those of Indonesia and Brazil on 2010 round of Census

Figure 17
Trends of sex ratio in ten most populous countries: 2001 - 2011

1200
1167
1150

1100
1055
1042

Females per 1000 males

1050

1000

1025

987
988

984

978
926

937

943

950

900
2001
2011

850
World

China

India

USA

Indonesia

Brazil

Pakistan

Russian Fed Bangladesh

Japan

Nigeria

COUNTRIES

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 79

India among its neighbours 2001-2011


Countries
India
China
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
Nepal
Afghanistan
Bhutan
Myanmar

2001
933
944
938
958
1010
1005
930
919
1011

2011
940
926
943
978
1034
1014
931
897
1048

The situation in the immediate neighbourhood of India reveals a mixed


picture. Myanmar (1048), Sri Lanka (1034) and Nepal (1014) have more
females in their populations whereas in all other countries the sex ratio shows
male domination.
TRENDS IN SEX RATIO IN INDIA AN OVER VIEW

The sex ratio in India has been historically negative or in other words,
unfavourable to females. A look at the Figure 18 reveals that in the preindependence period, the sex ratio declined consistently up to 1951 when it
rose marginally (Statement-12). In the post independence period, the trend
continued and the sex ratio slipped down for two consecutive decades after
1951 to reach 930 in 1971. During 1961-71 a steep fall of 11 points was seen in
the sex ratio.
Figure 18
Sex ratio in India: 1901-2011
980
Sex Ratio (Females per
1000 Males)

972

970

964

960
955
950
941

940

940
934

930

933

930
927

920
910

22011

22001

11991

11981

11971

11961

11951

11941

11931

11921

11911

900

Census Years

80

946

945

11901

Females per 1000 Males

950

Gender Composition of Population

" Statement 12
Sex ratio, India: 1901-2011
Census Year
1
1901
1911
1921
1931
1941
1951
1961
1971
1981
1991
2001
2011

Sex ratio
(Females per 1,000 males)
2
972
964
955
950
945
946
941
930
934
927
933
940

# Note: Please see notes behind Figures at a Glance.

After 1971 Census , trends were not consistent, showing increase in one decade
and decline in the next. However, it was hovering around 930.The sex ratio as
per provisional results is the highest since 1971 and a shade below the level of
1961.

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 81

! Map 10
Sex Ratio, 2001 (States/Union Territories)

INDIA
Jammu & Kashmir
892

Sex Ratio, 2001


(States/Union Territories)

Himachal Pradesh
968
Punjab
876

Chandigarh
777
Uttarakhand

962
Haryana
NCT of Delhi
861
821
Uttar Pradesh
898

Rajasthan
921

Chhattisgarh
989
Maharashtra
922

Andhra Pradesh
978

Meghalaya
972

Jharkhand
941

Madhya Pradesh
919

ARABIAN SEA

Goa
961

Assam
935

Bihar
919

Gujarat
920

Daman & Diu


710
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
812

Arunachal Pradesh
893

Sikkim
875

West Bengal
934

Tripura
948

Manipur
974
Mizoram
935

Orissa
972

(P)

BAY OF BENGAL

Karnataka
965
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
846
(P)

Lakshadweep
948

Kerala
1058

Tamil Nadu
987

(P)Puducherry
1001
(P)

Nagaland
900

Narcondam I.
(India)

Barren I.
(India)

Females per 1000 Males


900

925

950

975

National Average : 933

100 50

INDIAN OCEAN

82

500
Kilometres

Indira Point

Gender Composition of Population

! Map 11
Sex Ratio, 2011 (States/Union Territories)

INDIA
Jammu & Kashmir
883

Sex Ratio, 2011


(States/Union Territories)

Himachal Pradesh
974
Punjab
893

Chandigarh
818
Uttarakhand

963
Haryana
NCT of Delhi
877
866
Uttar Pradesh
908

Rajasthan
926

Gujarat
918

Daman & Diu


618
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
775

Meghalaya
986

Jharkhand
947

Chhattisgarh
991
Maharashtra
925

Andhra Pradesh
992
Goa
968

Assam
954

Bihar
916

Madhya Pradesh
930

ARABIAN SEA

Arunachal Pradesh
920

Sikkim
889

West Bengal
947

Tripura
961

Manipur
987
Mizoram
975

Orissa
978

(P)

BAY OF BENGAL

Karnataka
968
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
878
(P)

Lakshadweep
946

Kerala
1084

Tamil Nadu
995

(P)Puducherry
1038
(P)

Nagaland
931

Narcondam I.
(India)

Barren I.
(India)

Females per 1000 Males


900

925

950

975

National Average : 940

100 50

INDIAN OCEAN

500
Kilometres

Indira Point

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 83

Figure 19
Sex ratio trends in some of the major States: 1951-2011

Assam

Andhra Pradesh
1060

Females per thousand males

Females per thousand males

1060

1010

960

910

860

810
1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

1010

960

910

860

810

2011

1951

Census Year

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

Bihar

Gujarat
1060

Females per thousand males

1060

Females per thousand males

2011

Census Year

1010

960

910

860

1010

960

910

860

810
1951

810
1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

2011

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

2011

Census Year

Census Year

Haryana

Jharkhand
1060

Females per thousand males

Females per thousand males

1060

1010

960

910

860

810
1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

1010

960

910

860

810

2011

1951

Census Year

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

2011

Census Year

Kerala

Karnataka
1060

Females per thousand males

Females per thousand males

1060

1010

960

910

860

810
1951

1961

Census Year

84

1971

1981

1991

2001

2011

1010

960

910

860

810
1951

1961

Census Years

1971

1981

1991

2001

2011

Gender Composition of Population

Figure 19
Sex ratio trends in some of the major States: 1951-2011

Maharashtra

Madhya Pradesh
1060

Females per thousand males

Females per thousand males

1060

1010

960

910

860

810
1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

1010
960
910
860
810

2011

1951

Census Year

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

Punjab
1060

1010

1010

Females per thousand males

Females per thousand males

Orissa
1060

960

910

860

810
1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

960

910

860

810
1951

2011

1961

1971

1981

1991

2011

Tamil Nadu

Rajasthan
1060

Females per thousand males

1060

Females per thousand males

2001

Census Year

Census Year

1010

960

910

860

810
1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

1010

960

910

860

810
1951

2011

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

2011

Census Year

Census Year

Uttar Pradesh

West Bengal
1060

Females per thousand males

1060

Females per thousand males

2011

Census Year

1010

960

910

860

810

1010

960

910

860

810
1951

1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

2011

2011
Census Year

Census Year

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 85

Table 11 gives the trends in sex ratio since 1901 for all the States and Union
Territories. The trends in sex ratio for the post independence period from
1951 -2011 for some of the major States are also depicted in Figure 19 as line
graphs.

Monitorable Goals of 11th


Five Year Plan
1. Increase child sex ratio
from 927 in 2001 to 935 by
2011-2012
2. Increase child sex ratio to
950 by 2016-2017
3. The 11th Plan committed
support to initiatives that
raise awareness to ensure
that market economy,
increasing consumerism and
resultant family planning
practices do not enhance
gender inequality and lead to
male child planning.

The Table reveals that in 1951, there were as many as eleven States and Union
Territories that had sex ratio of more than unity or above 1000. This number
declined to nine in 1961, three in 1971 and two in 1981 and one in 1991. In
2001, the State of Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry reported
above unity sex ratio. Both these States have not only retained their status but
have also shown considerable increase in 2011. Besides these two, the number
of States and Union Territories registering an upward trend has risen from 24
in 2001 to 29 in 2011. The increase ranged from one point in Uttarakhand to
fourty five points in the highly urbanised National Capital Territory of Delhi.
In 18 States and Union Territories, the increase has been over ten points during
2001-2011.
Among the major States, Bihar, Jammu Kashmir and Gujarat have experienced
a fall in the sex ratio. The decline ranged from 2 points in Gujarat to 9 points
in Jammu & Kashmir. Other smaller Union Territories showing steep decline
are Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Perceptible increase has been
observed in the major States such as Uttar Pradesh,Rajasthan, Jharkhand,
Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal,
Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and all the States located in the
North East.
A point to be noted is that the States having historically low sex ratio such as
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh have shown appreciable increase in
the sex ratio in Census 2011. Majority of the States identified as gender critical
for special attention and intervention as part of the Census 2011 have shown
increasing trend in the sex ratio as per the provisional results.
Trends in sex ratio in States and UTs: 2001-2011
The patterns in sex ratio among the States and Union Territories are distinct.
The top three States recording the highest value of overall sex ratio are
neighbours located in the southern part of India namely Kerala (1084), Tamil
Nadu (995), and Andhra Pradesh (992). Among the UTs, the top three are
Puducherry (1038), Lakshadweep (946) and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
(878). Figure 20 presents sex ratio in the States and Union Territories at the
2011 Census.
The lowest sex ratio among the States has been recorded in Haryana (877),
Jammu & Kashmir (883) and Sikkim (889). Among the UTs the lowest sex
ratio has been returned in Daman & Diu (618), Dadra & Nagar Haveli (775)
and Chandigarh (818).
Only two major States, Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir have shown decline in the
sex ratio. The other Union Territories registering decline in overall sex ratio
include Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep. Maps
10 and 11 depict patterns of sex ratio in different States and Union Territories
during 2001 and 2011 respectively.
Statement 13 provides recent trends of sex ratio of the total population, sex
ratio in the age group 0-6 years and sex ratio of population aged 7 years and
above for 2001 and 2011 for all the States and Union Territories.

86

Gender Composition of Population

Figure 20
Sex ratio in States and Union Territories: 2011

Andaman & Nicobar Islands


Puducherry
Tamil Nadu
Kerala
Lakshadweep
Goa
Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh
Maharashtra
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Daman & Diu
Gujarat
Madhya Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Orissa
Jharkhand
West Bengal
Assam
Meghalaya
Tripura
Mizoram
Manipur
Nagaland

National Average 940

Arunachal Pradesh
Sikkim
Bihar
Uttar Pradesh
Rajasthan
NCT of Delhi
Haryana
Uttarakhand
Chandigarh
Punjab
Himachal Pradesh
Jammu & Kashmir

600

650

700

750

800

850

900

950

1000

1050

1100

Females per 1000 males

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 87

! Statement 13
Sex ratio of total population and child population in the age group 0-6 and 7+ years:
2001-2011
State/
UT Code

1
01
02
03
04
05

India/States/Union Territory #

2
INDIA
Jammu & Kashmir
Himachal Pradesh
Punjab
Chandigarh #
Uttarakhand
Haryana

2001
3
933
892
968
876
777
962

2011
4
940
883
974
8 93
818
963

2001
5
927
941
896
798
845
908

2011
6
914
859
906
846
867
886

2001
7
934
884
980
888
767
973

2011
8
944
887
983
899
812
975

8 77
866
926
9 08
916

8 19
868
909
916
9 42

830
866
883
899
9 33

869
813
923
894
914

885
866
935
910
912

06
07
08
09
10

NCT of Delhi
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
Bihar

861
821
921
898
9 19

11
12
13
14
15

Sikkim
Arunachal Pradesh
Nagaland
Manipur
Mizoram

8 75
893
900
974
935

889
920
931
987
975

963
964
964
957
964

9 44
960
944
934
971

861
878
890
977
9 30

883
9 13
929
9 95
976

16
17
18
19
20

Tripura
Meghalaya
Assam
West Bengal
Jharkhand

948
972
9 35
934
941

961
9 86
954
947
947

966
973
9 65
960
965

953
970
9 57
950
943

945
971
929
92 9
935

962
989
953
946
948

21
22
23
24
25

Orissa
Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh
Gujarat
Daman & Diu #

972
98 9
919
920
710

978
9 91
930
918
618

953
975
932
883
926

934
964
912
886
909

976
992
916
92 7
682

985
995
93 3
923
589

26
27
28
29
30

Dadra & Nagar Haveli #


Maharashtra
Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka
Goa

812
922
978
965
961

775
925
9 92
968
968

979
913
961
946
938

924
883
943
943
920

779
924
981
968
9 64

752
931
997
9 71
973

31
32
33
34
35

Lakshadweep #
Kerala
Tamil Nadu

948
1058
987
1001
846

946
1084
995
1038
878

959
960
942
967
957

908
959
946
965
966

946
1,072
9 93
1,006
831

951
1,099
1,000
1,047
868

Puducherry #
Andaman & Nicobar Islands #

" Note: # Union Territories

88

Sex ratio (females per 1,000 males)


Total
Child
Population
population
population
aged 7 and
in the age
above
group
0-6

Gender Composition of Population

States and Union Territories by ranges of sex ratio


It is interesting to note that although the number of States and Union
Territories with sex ratio less than 916 declined from twelve to ten in 2011 but
percentage share of these States population has remained almost constant. In
contrast, the number of States and Union Territories with high sex ratio of 986
and above rose sharply from four in 2001 to seven in 2011 with corresponding
increases in the share of population. Movement of large States (Andhra
Pradesh) in this category resulted in the increase in the population share.
However, overall increasing trend in the sex ratio at the Census 2011 has
boosted the sex ratio of India.
The distribution of States and Union Territories by the different ranges of sex
ratio and their share in the total population of the country is presented in the
Statement-14.
! Statement 14
Distribution of States/Union Territories by range of sex ratio of India: 2001 and 2011
Sex ratio

2001

Percentage of
population to
total population, 2001

2011

1
880 & below
881-915
916-950
951-985
986 & above

2
8
4
11
8
4

3
5.98
17.44
47.18
18.12
11.28

4
6
4
10
8
7

Percentage of
population to
total population, 2011
5
3.65
19.87
45.08
13.01
18.4

" Note: Please see notes behind Figures at a Glance.


The number of States and Union Territories with sex ratio below National
average has remained constant over 2001 and 2011. In fact, the proportion of
population in the first category has increased marginally, by less than a percent
point (Statement 15).
! Statement 15
Distribution of States/Union Territories by sex ratio below National level and above
National level: 2001 and 2011
Sex ratio

1
Below National average
Above National average

Number of
States /
Union
Territories
2001

Percentage of
population to total
population 2001

Number of
States /
Union
Territories
2011

Percentage of
population to total
population 2011

3
57.19
42.81

4
17
18

5
58.31
41.69

2
17
18

" Note: Please see notes behind Figures at a Glance.

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 89

CHILD SEX RATIO IN THE AGE GROUP 0-6 YEARS

While the overall sex ratio presents encouraging trends across the country
encompassing 29 States and Union Territories, the same is not true in the
case of the girl child in the age group 0-6 years. Statement-16 and Figure-21
presents the sex ratio of the total population and the child population (0-6
years) from 1961 to 2001.
! Statement 16
Sex ratio of total population and child population in the age group 0-6: 1961-2011
Year
1961
1971
1981
1991
2001
2011

Sex ratio in age Group 0-6 years


976
964
962
945
927
914

Overall sex ratio


941
930
934
927
933
940

" Note: Please see notes behind Figures at a Glance.


Figure 21
Child sex ratio 0-6 years and overall sex ratio India: 1961-2011
990

980

976
970

964
962

960

950

Females per 1000 males

945
941

940

940

933
934

930

927

927

930
920

914
910

Sex ratio 0-6


Overall sex ratio

900

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

2011

Census Years

Figure-21 clearly brings out the fact that after 1991 there has been consistent
rise in overall sex ratio. On the other hand, the fall in child sex ratio has been
unabated since 1961. As per the provisional population totals of Census 2011,
it has declined to reach an all time low of 914.
The pattern of child sex ratio (0-6 years) among the States/UTs in 2011 is
provided in Statement 13. The top three States recording the highest value of
child sex ratio in the age group 0-6 years are Mizoram (971), Meghalaya (970)
and Chhattisgarh (964). Among the UTs, the top three positions are held by
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (966), Puducherry (965) and Dadra & Nagar
Haveli (924).

90

Gender Composition of Population

This grim reality is also


reflected in the National
Family Health survey
(NFHS-3), 2005-2006 in which
estimate of child sex ratio
0-6 years has been reported
as 918 at the National level.
This matches the figure
of 914 observed as per
provisional totals of Census
2011.

The lowest child sex ratio (0-6 years) among the States have been observed
in the States of Haryana (830), Punjab (846) and Jammu and Kashmir (859)
while among the UTs, Delhi (866), Chandigarh (867) and Lakshadweep (908)
occupy the bottom position.
A glance at the trend will show that in Census 2011, child sex ratio (0-6 years)
has registered an increasing trend only in six States and two UTs. What gives
some cause for cheer is the fact that the States where the child sex ratio had
dropped alarmingly in Census 2001 have now shown a slight improvement.
This increase is substantial in Punjab (789 to 846-57 points), Haryana (819 to
830- 11 points), Himachal Pradesh (896 to 906- 10 points), Chandigarh (845 to
867- 22 points), Gujarat (883 to 886- 3 points) and Tamil Nadu (942 to 946- 4
points). In addition, Mizoram (964 to 971-7 points) and Andaman & Nicobar
Island (957 to 966- 9 points) have also shown increasing trend in the child sex
ratio during 2001 -2011.
At the same time, situation in other States/UTs has been disconcerting. The
child sex ratio (0-6 years) has declined in 27 States and Union Territories.
Sharp fall in the range of 22 to 82 points have been reported in child sex ratios
in Jammu & Kashmir (82), Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Manipur, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Nagaland
during 2001-2011. It is to be noticed that even North Eastern States like
Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have shown a declining trend. Maps 12 and 13
depict child sex ratio in the age group 0-6 years for 2001 and 2011 and show
the pattern of decline in 2011.
Statement-17 gives the distribution of States and UTs by ranges of sex ratio of
child population in the age group 0-6 years and their relative share in these
ranges in terms of percentage of population to total population of the country
for 2001 and 2011. It may be discerned from the above Statement that the
number of States and UTs with sex ratio in the age group 0-6 years of 951 and
above, has reduced to half from eighteen to nine in 2011 with corresponding
decline in the share of population from 28 percent to only 8.12 percent.
The number of States and UTs with child sex ratio 0-6 years below 915 has
increased from nine in 2001 to fourteen in 2011. The share of population in
this category has doubled.

! Statement 17
Distribution of States/Union Territories by range of sex ratio of child population in the
age group 0-6 years: 2001-2011
Sex ratio

Number of States/
Union Territories
2001

Percentage of
population to
total population
2001

1
880 & below
881-915
916-950
951-985
986 & above

2
4
5
8
18
0

3
5.27
20.76
45.95
28.02
0

Number of States/
Union Territories
2011
4
5
9
12
9
0

Percentage of
population to
total population
2011
5
6.51
46.13
39.2
8.16
0

" Note: Please see notes behind Figures at a Glance.

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 91

# Map 12
Child Sex Ratio in Age Group 0-6, 2001 (States/Union Territories)

INDIA
Jammu & Kashmir
941

Child Sex Ratio in Age Group 0-6, 2001


(States/Union Territories)

Himachal Pradesh
896
Punjab
798

Chandigarh
845
Uttarakhand

908
Haryana
NCT of Delhi
819
868
Uttar Pradesh
916

Rajasthan
909

Chhattisgarh
975
Maharashtra
913

Andhra Pradesh
961

Meghalaya
973

Jharkhand
965

Madhya Pradesh
932

ARABIAN SEA

Goa
938

Assam
965

Bihar
942

Gujarat
883

Daman & Diu


926
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
979

Arunachal Pradesh
964

Sikkim
963

West Bengal
960

Tripura
966

Manipur
957
Mizoram
964

Orissa
953

(P)

BAY OF BENGAL

Karnataka
946
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
957
(P)

Lakshadweep
959

Kerala
960

Tamil Nadu
942

(P)Puducherry
967
(P)

Nagaland
964

Narcondam I.
(India)

Barren I.
(India)

Females per 1000 Males in


Age Group 0-6
850

875

900

950

National Average : 927


100 50

INDIAN OCEAN

92

500
Kilometres

Indira Point

Gender Composition of Population

# Map 13
Child Sex Ratio in Age Group 0-6, 2011 (States/Union Territories)

INDIA
Jammu & Kashmir
859

Child Sex Ratio in Age Group 0-6, 2011


(States/Union Territories)

Himachal Pradesh
906
Punjab
846

Chandigarh
867
Uttarakhand

Haryana
830

886
NCT of Delhi
866
Uttar Pradesh
899

Rajasthan
883

Chhattisgarh
964
Maharashtra
883

Andhra Pradesh
943

Meghalaya
970

Jharkhand
943

Madhya Pradesh
912

ARABIAN SEA

Goa
920

Assam
957

Bihar
933

Gujarat
886

Daman & Diu


909
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
924

Arunachal Pradesh
960

Sikkim
944

West Bengal
950

Tripura
953

Manipur
934
Mizoram
971

Orissa
934

(P)

BAY OF BENGAL

Karnataka
943
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
966
(P)

Lakshadweep
908

Kerala
959

Tamil Nadu
946

(P)Puducherry
965
(P)

Nagaland
944

Narcondam I.
(India)

Barren I.
(India)

Females per 1000 Males in


Age Group 0-6
850

875

900

950

National Average : 914


100 50

INDIAN OCEAN

500
Kilometres

Indira Point

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 93

SEX RATIO OF AGE 7 YEARS AND ABOVE POPULATION

The sex ratio of population of age 7 years and above during 2001 and 2011
Censuses have been shown in the Statement- 13. It has increased from 942
in 2001 to 944 in 2011 at the National level. This increase is also noted in 23
States/UTs. However 8 States have shown slight decline as compared to 2001.
In 4 States/UTs this ratio has remained constant.
Kerala (1099), Tamil Nadu(1000) and Andhra Pradesh (997) have recorded the
highest sex ratio, while Punjab (899), Jammu & Kashmir (887) and Haryana
(885) are at the bottom in the age group 7+ years.
Statement-18 provides the distribution of States and UTs by the ranges of sex
ratio of population in the age group of 7+ years for 2001 and 2011 and their
share of population to total population.
It may be seen from the Statement that the number of States and UTs and their
corresponding share of population has increased significantly in the category
with sex ratio 986 and above. On the other hand, there has been a decline
in the number and proportion of population in the 916-950 category. The
Statement 18
Distribution of States/Union Territories by range of sex ratio of population 7 years and
above: 2001 and 2011
Distribution of States/Union Territories by range of sex ratio of population aged 7+ : 2001 and 2011
Sex ratio
Number of States/
Percentage of population
Number of States/
Percentage of population
Union Territories
to total population 2001
Union Territories
to total population 2011
2001
2011
1
880 & below
881-915
916-950
951-985
986 & above

94

2
8
5
10
8
4

3
3.75
26.86
39.11
18.57
11.72

4
5
7
7
9
7

5
1.58
29.88
36.45
13.15
18.94

Gender Composition of Population

number and share of States and UTs having sex ratio 915 and below has not
shown perceptible decline.
SEX RATIO IN THE EMPOWERED ACTION GROUP (EAG) STATES

It is heartening to note that the overall sex ratio has shown a consistent
increase in both EAG as well as non EAG States in the last three decades.
However, the disheartening fact is that the gap between EAG and non EAG
States has increased slightly during 2001-2011. Almost similar trends have
been observed in the category of seven plus population as illustrated in Figures
22 and 23.
Figure 24 exhibits trends of child sex ratio (0-6 years) in EAG and non EAG
States. It is observed that in 1991, EAG States had lower value of child sex
ratio as compared to non EAG States. This trend has reversed during 2001.
! Figure 22
Sex ratio in India, EAG and non EAG States: 1991-2011
960
952

950

943

942

940

940

933
927

927

930

921
Females per 1000 Males

920
907

910
900

EAG States
890

Non EAG

880

India
1991

2001

2011

Census Years

! Figure 23
Sex ratio in the 7+ age group in India, EAG and non EAG States: 1991-2011
970
957

960
946

950

944

941

940

934
929

930

923
919

Females per 1000 males

920
910
899

900
890
880

EAG States
Non EAG States
India

870
860
1991

2001

2011

Census Years
PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 95

In the period 1991-2011, while there has been a fall of 28 points in the EAG
States, the same has been to the tune of 34 points in non EAG States. In the last
decade alone, the decline in EAG States has been 17 points while in the non
EAG States the fall has been to the tune of 10 points. This is indeed a matter of
grave concern.
! Figure 24
Child Sex ratio in the age group 0-6 years in India, EAG and non EAG States: 1991-2011

960
949

950

945

941

940
930
Females per 1000 males

930

925

927

920

915
913

914

910
EAG States
Non EAG States
India

900
890
1991

2001

2011

Census Years

The decline in the sex ratio in the age group 0-6 years is an extremely
distressing trend. The writing was clearly on the wall during the last Census
itself. The last decade has seen slight improvements in Haryana, Punjab,
Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Himachal, Gujarat, Mizoram and Andaman &
Nicobar Islands where there has been an increase in the sex ratio of the 0-6
year population. In all the remaining 27 States/UTs, the ratio has declined. The
decline ranges from nominal to alarming levels.
The overall sex ratio has shown an upward trend in 29 States/UTs. This is a
positive sign and is indicative of an improvement in the status of women in
the country. The improved trends in female literacy and the narrowing gender
gap in the literacy rate, discussed later on in this Report corroborates this in
substantial measure. Detailed analysis of trends would however be required for
more meaningful conclusions.

96

1
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Figures

! Maps " Tables/Statements # Notes

1
Introductory Note
Census 2011marks a milestone in the history of Census taking in the country.
It has come at a time when India is perhaps at an inflexion point in history,
when it sheds the legacy of the past and emerges among the comity of Nations
as a strong, selfreliant and modern Nation. The basic benchmark statistics on
the state of human resources, demography, culture and economic structure at
this crucial juncture of the countrys history would be vital to guide and shape
the future course of the Nation.

# Notes
1.

J. Chartres Molony,
Superintendent of Census,
Madras, 1911: The Village
Officer, source of all Indian
information, is the recorder of
his village, and it well may be
that amid the toils of keeping
accounts and collecting
mamuls, he pays scant heed
to what he and his friends
consider the idle curiosity of an
eccentric sirkar.

In a country like India, with multiethnic, multilingual, multicultural and


multilevel society, the Census is much more than a mere head count of the
population. It gives a snapshot of not only the demographic but also the
economic, social and cultural profile of the country at a particular point of
time. More often than not, it is the only available source of primary data at
the level of the village and town (ward). It provides valuable information for
planning and formulation of policies by the Government and is also used
widely by National and International agencies, scholars, business persons,
industrialists, and many more. In addition, the Census provides a basic frame
for conduct of other surveys in the country. Any informed decision making
that is based on empirical data is dependent on the Census. Democratic
processes like the delimitation of electoral constituencies and affirmative
action like reservation are also based on the basic data sets of the Census. It has
indeed come a long way from what was described as the idle curiosity of an
eccentric sirkar (Molony,1911)1 . No wonder therefore, that Census 2011 has
adopted an apt tagline Our Census, Our Future!

Enumeration of Honble President of India

Introductory Note

What is a Population Census?

# Notes
2.

Christophe Guilmoto: 1871


is probably the turning point
of the statistical history of
India owing to the inception
of a century long tradition
of decennial censuses which
in turn triggered a new
development in the monitoring
of socio demographic
phenomena like famines,
epidemiology or the natural
increase of population

3.

Dr. W.R.Cornish,
Superintendent of Census
Operations, Madras, 1871:
The estimates of population
of Madras previous to 1867
had been so various and the
direct censuses of 1822 and
1863 were so untrustworthy
that it had been found
utterly impossible to arrive
at any satisfactory conclusion
as to the actual number of
people....

4.

Rev C.W.Ranson: ...for the


period prior to 1871, we are
dependent for our knowledge
of the growth of population
of Madras upon estimates
which at their best represent
only informed guesswork
and at their worst wildest
conjecture.

1.4. A population census is the total process of collecting, compiling, evaluating,


analysing and publishing or otherwise disseminating demographic, economic and
social data pertaining, at a specified time, to all persons in a country or in a well
delimited part of a country.
1.5. Population is basic to the production and distribution of material wealth. In
order to plan for, and implement, economic and social development, administrative
activity or scientific research, it is necessary to have reliable and detailed data on
the size, distribution and composition of population. The population census is a
primary source of these basic benchmark statistics, covering not only the settled
population but also homeless persons and nomadic groups. Data from population
censuses should allow presentation and analysis in terms of statistics on persons
and households and for a wide variety of geographical units, ranging from the
country as a whole to individual small localities or city blocks.
- Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses
(Revision 2). United Nations : New York : 2008.

HISTORY

The earliest references of Census taking in India can be traced back to the
Mauryan period in Kautilayas Arthashastra (321-296 BC) and later during
the Mughal period in the writings of Abul Fazl (1595-96) in the Ain-e-Akbari.
Records have it that in 1687, during the Governorship of Elihu Yale in Madras
Presidency, the King of England desired that a count of the inhabitants of Fort
St George be taken. This however was not followed up until 1872. A count was
also taken up in 1853 in the North Western Frontier, which was followed by
a series of Census like enumerations. However these were not censuses but
simple head counts (Guilmoto)2 and were so evidently untrustworthy that it
had long been found utterly impossible to arrive at any satisfactory conclusion
(Cornish)3 . Another description of the counts prior to 1871 describes them
as at their best represent only informed guesswork and at their worst wildest
conjecture (Ranson)4 A systematic and modern population Census, in its
present scientific form was conducted non synchronously between 1865 and
1872 in different parts of the country. This effort culminating in 1872 has been
popularly labelled as the first population Census of India (the first synchronous
Census in India was however conducted in 1881).
Rig Veda:
Arthashastra:
Ain-e-Akbari:
1st systematic census
conducted all over India
(non synchronous):
First Synchronous Census
conducted all over India:
First Census of
Independent India:
2011 Census:

800-600 BC
321-296 BC
1595-96

1865-1872
1881
1951
the 15th since 1872, 7th
since Independence

Enumeration of Honble Prime Minister of India

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 3

An unbroken chain of Censuses since then, gives the Indian Census a unique
historical legacy unparalleled in the world. Census 2011 is the fifteenth Census
in this continuous series from 1872 and the seventh since Independence.
METHODOLOGY

The Census of India is conducted once in a decade, following an extended


de facto canvasser method. Under this approach, data is collected from every
individual by visiting the household and canvassing the same questionnaire all
over the country, over a period of three weeks. The count is then updated to
the reference date and time, by conducting a Revision Round. In the Revision
Round, any changes in the entries that arise on account of births, deaths and
migration between the time of the enumerators visit and the reference date/
time is noted down and the record updated.
In Censuses until 1931, a synchronous de facto method was adopted wherein
the Census was conducted throughout the country on a single night. This
method, besides being costly, required the deployment of an extremely large
force of Census takers. This method was given up in the 1941 Census and the
present method adopted.
In Census 2011, the canvassing of the questionnaire was done from 9th
of February 2011 to 28th of February 2011. A Revision Round was then
conducted from 1st to 5th of March 2011 and the count updated to the
Reference Moment of 00:00 hours on the 1st of March 2011.
An exception to this was made with respect to a few specific areas in the
country which are snow-bound in February. The areas included certain
charges in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and
Kashmir. In these locations, the canvassing of the questionnaire was done from
11th September 2010 to 30th September 2010. A Revision Round was then
conducted from 1st to 5th of October 2010.
Reference Date and the Method of Census taking
from 1872 to 2011 Census
Census
Reference Date
Method

Honble Home Minister of India, signing the Household


Schedule after Enumeration

1872

21st February

de facto (Non-Synchronous)

1881

17th February

de facto (Synchronous)

1891

26th February

de facto (Synchronous)

1901

1st March

de facto (Synchronous)

1911

10st March

de facto (Synchronous)

1921

18th March

de facto (Synchronous)

1931

26th February

de facto (Synchronous)

1941

1st March

Extended de facto (Synchronous)

1951

1st March

Extended de facto (Synchronous)

1961

1st March

Extended de facto (Synchronous)

1971

1st April

Extended de facto (Synchronous)

1981

1st March

Extended de facto (Synchronous)

1991

1st March

Extended de facto (Synchronous)

2001

1st March

Extended de facto (Synchronous)

2011

1st March

Extended de facto (Synchronous)

Introductory Note

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

In India, the population Census is a Union Subject (Article 246) and is listed
at serial number 69 of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. The Census
Act, 1948 forms the legal basis for the conduct of Censuses in independent
India. Although the Census Act is an instrument of Central Legislation, in
the scheme of its execution the State Governments provide the administrative
support for the actual conduct of the Census.
The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India is an
attached office under the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of
India. Its main responsibility is to conceive, plan and implement Census
taking in the country. The organization is headed by the Registrar General
and Census Commissioner, India. There are field offices in all the States and
Union Territories (except the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and
the Union Territory of Daman and Diu, which are attached to the office at
Gujarat). The field officers are headed by the Directors of Census Operations,
who are responsible for the conduct of Census in their respective jurisdictions.
The list of the Directors of Census Operations of all the States/Union
Territories along with their date of joining is given at Annexure -I

Hierarchy of Census functionaries in India


Registrar General & Census
Commissioner, India
Directors of Census Operations,
State/UT
District Magistrates/Collectors/
Commissioners of Municipal
Corporations

Prinicipal Census Officers

Charge Officers

Tehsildars/Mamlatdars

Enumerators/Supervisors
State Co-ordinators

PLANNING FOR CENSUS 2011

Freezing of Administrative Boundaries


The first step towards Census taking relates to preparation of a complete and
unduplicated list of all geographical entities in the country, which includes
States, Districts, Tehsils/Taluks/Community Development (CD) Blocks and
Villages/Towns at a particular point of time. All administrative units in the
States/UTs across the country were frozen as on 31st December 2009.
This exercise also involved obtaining the latest maps of States/Union Territories,
Districts, Tehsils / Taluks / CD Blocks and Towns etc. The number of
Administrative Units in the country as on the cut-off date is given in the box.
PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 5

Number of Administrative
Units in Census 2011
States/UTs

35

Districts

640

Sub-Districts

5,924

Towns

7,936

A Directory of Administrative Units with unique Identification Code for each


unit was prepared. This ensured that every Administrative Unit is covered
without omission or duplication. A unique feature of the coding system in
Census 2011 is that it identifies Villages, Statutory Towns, Census Towns and
Forest Villages as separate series.
The finalisation of the Rural-Urban frame, an exercise to prepare a complete up
to date list of Statutory and Census Towns for identification as Urban areas and
the Villages as Rural areas was also done as a part of the pre Census activities.
The demarcation of Out Growths of Towns and Urban Agglomerations was
also taken up as a part of this exercise. There are 3,893 Census Towns, 999 Out
Growths and 476 Urban Agglomerations that have been demarcated in Census
2011.

Permanent Location Code


One of the important inputs in Census taking is assigning of the Location code
Numbers at various administrative levels. The Location Code Number is a
simple device by which every compact geographical area in any Administrative
Unit can be uniquely identified. Each such Administrative Unit starting from
State right down to the village/ward can be referred to by a combination of
such unique numbers. Until the 1991 Census, a hierarchical coding system
was followed, whereby each administrative unit was coded within the next
higher Administrative Unit serially and systematically following a geographical
order.
The frequent changes in District and Sub-district Administrative Units during
the inter-census period posed several problems to study the changes in growth
and distribution of population and their characteristics from one Census to
another. For the Census of India, 2001, a system of Permanent Location Code
Numbers (PLCN) had been adopted by assigning to each village within the
State/UT a continuous series of numbers. Each village had been assigned an
eight digit code. The first six digits represent the code of the Village as existing
at the present Census. The last two digits are kept 00 for accommodating
future changes in case of split of an existing village or creation of new villages
etc. Since the permanent Location Codes have been assigned to each village,
theoretically tracing the precise location of village on account of future
jurisdictional changes in the boundaries of various administrative areas within
the State should not pose a problem.
While the basic schema of Census 2001 has been retained, some improvements
have been made. Firstly, the State and District Codes were pre-printed on the
Schedules. Secondly, short codes were introduced for field work in order to
reduce the scriptory work of enumerators 2 digits (within the State), 3 digits
in the case of Sub-districts (within the District), and 4 digits in the case of
Villages and Towns (within a Sub-district). Thirdly, normal Villages have been
given a range between 0001 and 5999, while Forest Villages have been given a
range between 6000-6999. Fourthly, Statutory Towns have been given Codes
within the range of 7001-7999 and Census Towns are covered in the range
of 8001-8999. This makes it easy to distinguish each type of Administrative
Unit clearly. This is however only for the purpose of field work. In the detailed
presentations of data, the full Codes will be given.

Introductory Note

CARTOGRAPHY

The availability of accurate maps as per the latest administrative boundaries


is a pre-requisite for Census. The Cartographic Division of the Census
Organisation has evolved over the years and is now the largest producer of
Thematic Maps in the country. It has come a long way from the traditional
manual cartographic methods used until 1981 and now utilizes the latest
GIS software to produce digital maps. The latest addition in Census 2011
is the preparation of satellite imagery based digital maps at the street and
building level in 33 Capital Cities of the country. These digital maps were used
effectively to carve out the Enumeration Blocks in both phases of the Census.
47 new Districts, 461 new Sub Districts, 244 new Statutory Towns and several
new Villages have come up since 2001. Maps of all these Administrative Units
have been obtained and have been updated. Extensive changes have also
occurred in the existing boundaries of the Towns. All these changes have also
been incorporated in the maps.

Satellite imagery of a Capital city and the digital map prepared from it

An added feature in Census 2011 was that print-outs of maps showing the
boundary of every Village/Town were provided to the Charge Officers to mark
the position of Enumeration Blocks on these. This was aimed at reducing the
chance of any omission or duplication of areas.
CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS

As part of the Census preparations, the first Data Users Conference was held
in April 2008. In this Conference, consultations were held with all stakeholders
comprising representatives of various Ministries of Government of India, State
Governments, National and International voluntary organisations, Population
Research Centres, Statistical Institutions, Universities, eminent demographers
and social scientists. Based on the deliberations of the Conference, a draft
Questionnaire was developed and placed for discussion before the Technical
Advisory Committee (TAC).

Data Users Conference 2001 in progress

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 7

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

In order to finalise the Questionnaire and advise the Census Organisation, a


Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was constituted by the Government
of India on 30th September 2008. The List of Members of the Advisory
Committee is at Annexure II. The TAC held three Meetings on 25th November
2008, 9th October 2009 and 23rd June 2010.
PRE TEST OF QUESTIONS

The Census Questionnaire was piloted and pre-Tested in the field in all
States and Union Territories from 28th June 2009 to 17th August 2009. The
Notification to this effect was published in the Gazette of India on 8th April
2009.
The pre-Test was conducted as a full scale exercise, a virtual rehearsal of the
Census. It was conducted in 53 rural and 32 urban Charges. The rural charges
were chosen at the rate of two in bigger and one in smaller States/UTs except
A&N Islands. It included 201 Villages where 550 Houselisting Blocks were
formed. This constituted 60,327 Buildings in which 81,471 Census Houses and
59,047 Households were enumerated.
In urban areas, 32 Charges (one in each State/UT except Daman & Diu, Dadra
& Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep), comprising 32 Wards/ part-Wards were
covered. In all 554 Houselisting Blocks were carved out in urban areas which
consisted of 58,366 Buildings, 1,19,955 Census Houses and 67,279 Households.
The results and the field experiences of the pre-Test were discussed in a
Conference of the Directors of Census Operations and a draft Questionnaire
was finalised for the consideration of the Technical Advisory Committee.
NOTIFICATIONS REGARDING CONDUCT OF CENSUS OF INDIA 2011

The Census of India is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act 1948
and the Census Rules, 1990. The statute requires the Notification of various
processes under provisions of the above Act and Rules. Accordingly, various
processes have been duly notified in the Gazette of India after following the
processes laid down. The various Notifications are listed below:
t The Notification regarding the intention of the Government of India to
conduct a Census of the population of India in 2011 was published in the
Gazette of India on 20th February 2009.
t In the same Notification, the Reference Date was also notified as 00.00
hours of the first day of March 2011 (except for the snow-bound areas of
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand). In the snowbound areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand the
Reference Date was notified as 00.00 hours of the first day of October 2010.
t The Notification regarding the non synchronous areas (snow-bound) in
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand was published in
the Gazette of India on 20th February 2009.
t The Notification regarding the conduct of Houselisting and Housing
Census from 1st April 2010 to 30th September 2010 in different States and
Union Territories was published in the Gazette of India on
25th February 2010.

Introductory Note

t The questions proposed to be canvassed during the Houselisting and


Housing Census was also published in the same Notification.
t The Notification regarding the questions to be canvassed in the Population
Enumeration was published in the Gazette of India on 31st August 2010.
FINALISATION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRES

The TAC considered the draft Questionnaire and keeping in view the demands
of the data users and the available resources within the organization and the
States, made valuable suggestions for improving its form and content.
The final Questionnaire was then put up for the consideration of the
Government of India. The Government of India gave its assent to the two
Questionnaires after which the Questions to be asked in the Houselisting and
Housing Census and Population Enumeration which were duly published in
the Gazette of India.
In 2001, two Schedules one for Houselisting and another for Population
Enumeration were canvassed. The same approach has been followed in Census
2011.
In all 35 Questions were canvassed in the Houselisting and Housing
Census Schedule and 29 Questions in the Household Schedule (Population
Enumeration).
The final Questionnaires developed and canvassed for the Census 2011- the
Houselisting and Housing Census Schedule and the Household Schedule are
placed at Annexure-III
PRINTING

A feature that makes the Indian Census particularly complex is that the
Schedules are canvassed in 16 languages and the Instruction Manuals are
developed in 18 languages.

Printing of Houselist and Housing


Census Schedules in progress in a
high-end Press

The requirement is also huge - 5.4 million Instruction Manuals and 340
million Census Schedules. To add to the complexity, the Schedules had to be
printed on special grade paper, the specifications for which were evolved in
India for the first time in consultation with experts in scanning technology
and paper technologists. The services of the National Institute of Design,
Ahmedabad were utilized to upgrade the quality and aesthetics
of the Schedule. Unique features that make it stand out are Bar
Codes in each Schedule, Unique Form Numbers, Pre Printing
of certain Location Particulars, Uniform quality of printing and
colour drop-out facility. This required printing in high end Presses
having facility of variable printing and very high production
volumes. That the entire quantity of material has been printed
within the stringent timelines and with strict adherence to quality
is a feat in itself. Approximately 12,000 Metric Tonnes of paper of
various grades have been procured for this purpose. The result is
that the Indian Census Schedules are comparable with the best
in class internationally.

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 9

LOGISTICS

The task of making available all the materials required for conducting the
Census Enumerators Kits, Instruction Manuals and other training materials,
Census Schedules in the right quantity and in the right language to the Charge
Officers (approximately 17, 000 in number) and the reverse collection of
filled in Schedules and other material, as can well be imagined is a logistical
nightmare. Adding to the complexity is the fact that each Charge may use
material in several languages. The first task was therefore to prepare an
accurate database of Charge-wise requirement of materials. The next task was
to pack the materials as per the database, address each package correctly and

Printing
Material from high end Presses
Material from Government/Private Presses
Packing
As per database
Packing and Address Labelling
Despatch
Despatched to more than 17,000 locations
Return Collection
Logistics: A successful partnership with India Post

have them shipped out to each location. The printing was done at locations
spread all over the country with varying levels of efficiency, which added
to the challenge. It is a matter of satisfaction that the entire task of printing
and packing of materials was accomplished in time and with a fair degree of
efficiency.
As regards the transportation of materials, a pioneering initiative of using the
India Post for handling the logistics was undertaken. A special Logistics Post
arrangement was put in place by India Post for the Census 2011. Though there
were a few operational problems, the precision with which the entire logistics
operation was accomplished within a very short period of time, is remarkable.
TRAINING

The need for comprehensive training of all functionaries,


especially the Enumerators and Supervisors can hardly
be underscored. A three tier cascade of training was
devised for this purpose. At the top of the pyramid were
a group of National Trainers, 90 in number. This group
was rigorously trained for 5 days at a residential training
camp. The National Trainers trained 725 Master Trainer
Facilitators (MTFs) at the State level. The MTFs in turn,
trained 54,000 Master Trainers (MTs) at the District level.
The MTs ultimately trained the 2.7 million Enumerators and
Supervisors at the field level.
Special efforts have been taken to improve the Instruction
10

Introductory Note

Training Class in progress

Snapshot from the e-Learning module explaining census concepts

Manuals by including more illustrations and examples. Training Guides have


also been prepared. The Trainers at each level National, State and District
levels have been given intensive in-house training and provided training
aids, such as Power Point presentations, e-Learning Modules, scripts of Role
Plays and Practice Sheets. Special training modules have been developed
for explaining the issues relating to disability and gender. Special Training
modules have also been developed and rendered in Gender sensitive Districts.
It needs mention that the entire training strategy has been a collaborative effort
between the UN Agencies (UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, UN WOMEN) on one
hand and the Census Organisation on the other.
A new feature in Census 2011 has been the utilisation of Non-Governmental
Agencies in the training effort. In order to supplement the manpower deployed
for training by the Directorates of Census Operations of the States/UTs, trained
manpower from NGOs was also utilised. In addition, volunteers from NGOs
working in the field of disability and gender were associated with Census 2011
for sensitising the trainers at National, State and District levels.

Sachin Tendulkar, Celebrated Cricketer, helping to propagate the message on Census 2011.

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 11

PUBLICITY

Census in Schools - A new


initiative

All modes of Publicity - Mass media, Public relations, Outreach activities and
Digital media have been used to spread awareness and enlist the cooperation of
all stakeholders. A scientific media plan was designed by a professional agency
that also created the media content in both the phases of the Census. While
the general theme was that of including everybody without omission, special
emphasis was laid on vulnerable groups like women, elderly, disabled, infants

Press Advertisement announcing the start of the Population


Enumeration on 9th February 2011

and the homeless. Celebrity endorsements were also broadcast.


A new initiative - Census in Schools was launched across the country. The
purpose of this programme was to make all children aware that the Census
is taking place and that they have a role in ensuring that the data for their
own family is recorded correctly. Another purpose was to expose them to the
significance of Census Data in the development of the country. The programme
covered about 60 to 80 schools in each of the 640 Districts in the country and
was specifically designed for participation by the students of the entire school
in general and the students of class VI, VII and VIII in particular.
Census 2011 also saw the use of a Mascot - a lady enumerator. This was done in
order to encourage and acknowledge the services of the real heroines/heroes of
the Census, namely the enumerators.
In addition to the efforts taken at the National level, publicity efforts were also
taken at the level of the Directorates and at the District and local levels by the
field officers.
A unique feature of Census 2011 was the innovative use of social networking
sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The enthusiastic response of the younger
generation to this initiative and the very positive comments posted on the site
were motivating. A photography competition was also launched in connection
with the Census 2011 which saw very active participation.
The Department of Consumer Affairs also ran an effective campaign during the
Census period calling upon the public to be aware and to ensure that they were
not left out of the count. The National Trust also provided media content on
the theme of disability.

12

Introductory Note

Census 2011 Logo and its interpretation

CENSUS 2011 LOGO

An innovative Logo was adopted for Census 2011. The interpretation of the
Logo is given in the Box above. The Logo was designed by Shri Padarabinda
Rath, an employee of the Census organisation and was highly appreciated for
its concept and design.
GENDER SENSITIZATION

Gender disaggregated data is the basis for gender sensitive policy formulation
and programme planning. The need for gender statistics in formulating
policies and programmes can hardly be over-emphasized.
Conceptually, information collected at the Census is gender neutral
and compiled and tabulated for both men and women separately. The
Questionnaire and Instruction Manual for collection of information in the
field have been carefully designed to avoid any bias on the basis of gender. The
training of Census functionaries also focused on this aspect of neutrality.
With a view to review the past experience and fine-tune the strategies for
Census 2011, a National Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming was held on
30th July 2010. The workshop looked at data sets on key gender indicators
and deliberated on all sensitive issues, which could affect accurate netting
of data in the field due to any prevailing cultural or other bias, shared local
concerns of States / UTs and proposed a strategy to improve gender statistics
in Census 2011. This was followed by a number of group workshops in which
Directorate of Census Operations and UN agencies supporting this initiative
participated. Gender mainstreaming activities of Census 2011 encompassing
gender responsive training and publicity is an outcome of detailed data analysis
and subsequent deliberations and consultative processes involving different
stakeholders.
Gender sensitivity was integrated into the entire process of Census taking. The
first and foremost aim of Census 2011 has been to ensure complete coverage
without omission or duplication. In addition to the basic count, special efforts
have been made to accurately net the socio-cultural, demographic and economic
characteristics, which inter-alia would include correct netting of head of the
PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 13

household, Age, Age at marriage, Marital status, Literacy, and Economic


activities in unorganized and unpaid work.
In this connection, special efforts were directed towards districts that returned
abnormal gender parameters, such as, sex ratio (below 900), low female literacy
(30% or less ) and female work participation (less than 20%) at Census 2001, by
developing special gender modules and training strategies for sensitization of
Census functionaries. The number of such gender critical district was 262. In
these districts special Gender Master Trainer Facilitators were appointed, who
supported Master Trainers and imparted gender training to Enumerators with
the aid of a special module and kits specially devised for training at different
levels. Gender module aimed to reduce stereotypes and apathy towards gender
concerns was prepared. Gender flyers and data sheets based on Census 2001
were also prepared to highlight the concerns. The training module was aimed
at equipping the Enumerators with probing techniques on gender sensitive
questions.
Data Sheets highlighting gaps in gender statistics on key population
characteristics have also been prepared for all the Districts and distributed up
to Enumerators level.
A gender sensitive and innovative e-learning module was also prepared to
simplify difficult questions and responses by way of role plays in the typical
field situation through animation. This module has all gender sensitive themes
such as inclusion, head of the household, age, mother tongue, work, migration
and fertility.

Village women welcoming the Census Enumerators

To create awareness among the general masses about gender issues and to
facilitate correct reporting of information, a well conceived publicity plan was
launched with a female enumerator as the mascot of the Census. The new Census
Logo as explained earlier also emphasizes the pivotal role of women. Special
publicity kits, Census in Schools kit, and other material also focused on this vital
14

Introductory Note

issue. The print and audio visual publicity material also has special gender
themes on inclusion and female work. The outreach programmes organized by
the Directorates had gender as the main area of focus. The use of social digital
media such as Facebook and Twitter were also part of this strategy of inclusion.
The ultimate aim has been to create an environment that will sensitize both
Enumerators as well as respondents.
CENSUS HELPLINE

Help desks and help lines had been introduced in the last Census. The same
was continued in this Census also. The help desks were established at the
charge level and were manned by Master Trainers. In addition, the mobile
phone numbers of certain experts from the Directorates were given to the
Master Trainers so that they could get clarifications then and there. A Toll
Free Number was activated and a Call Centre established at which calls
could be received from the Enumerators and Supervisors. Though the Call
Centre personnel were trained, most calls were routed to experts at each
Directorate to answer on a real time basis. Besides, a section Frequently Asked
Questions was opened in the Census website which was accessed by officials
and Enumerators alike. In a few Directorates, elaborate training videos were
produced and given to each Enumerator.
INITIATIVES

Some innovative initiatives made in Census 2011 are listed below:


1. Video Conferencing: The fact is that the Census Commissioner, India
was able to personally talk to more than 600 of the 640 Principal Census
Officers across the country during the actual Census, speaks volumes
about this marvellous technology and its potential. Every Directorate used
this mode of communication to the maximum. There is no doubt that this
personal contact went a long way in sensitising the Census Officials and
enhance their involvement.
2. National Conference of all Principal Census Officers: A National
Conference was held on 4th March 2010 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi
in which Principal Census Officers, State representatives and Directors
of Census Operations participated. The Conference was inaugurated by
the Honble Home Minister of India. The Union Home Secretary, senior
Officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and many Central Government
Ministries and Departments participated. This direct contact had a
significant impact, which could well be seen during the field operations.
3. National Conference of Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police:
A National Conference of Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police
was held on 11th June 2010 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The Union
Home Secretary chaired this Conference, which proved extremely useful in
enlisting the full cooperation of the State/UT Governments.
4. Conference of Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors: The Honble Union
Home Minister spoke regarding the Census operations at the Conference
of Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors held on 25th October 2010. The
impact of this was also quite significant.
5. State Conferences: Senior Officers from the Office of the Registrar General,
India visited all States during the Census and held State level meetings with
the State and District Officers. The Census Commissioner, India personally
visited 23 States/UTs during both phases of Census. The personal rapport
PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 15

built up during these visits with the State and District level officers paid
rich dividends.
6. Press Conferences: The Honble Union Home Minister and the Union
Home Secretary held exclusive Press Conferences during both phases
of the Census. This was also followed up with a series of such Press
Conferences by the Census Commissioner, India and the Directors of
Census. A specially developed Media Kit also served to enhance public
awareness.
7. Conference of the Directors of Census Operations: In all, eight
Conferences of Directorates of Census Operations were held in connection
with the Census 2011.
8. Conference of Military and Para Military Organisations: A Conference of
nodal officers of Military and Para Military Organisations was conducted
at New Delhi with the active involvement of the Ministry of Defence and
the Ministry of Home Affairs. Representatives of the Army, Navy, Air
Force, Coast Guard and all the Para Military Organisations participated.
Similar meetings were held in all Directorates. This sensitisation went a
long way in enlisting the participation of these organisations in the Census.
9. Use of Mobile Phones: A database of mobile phone numbers was created at
various levels and effectively used. The Charge Registers had the Telephone
numbers of all functionaries, which was the most effective medium
of communication used in Census 2011. Instructions, complaints and
clarifications were all done through this medium.
10. Short Mail Service (SMS): Applications like way to SMS, bulk mail
service was used to communicate instructions to field functionaries as well
as receive and clarify doubts from field functionaries.
11. Call Centre: A toll free number was operated through both phases of
Census and the calls were handled by a professional Call Centre. The
Enumerators could ask queries which were routed to Census experts who
clarified the same. The Centres also handled public complaints.
12. Web Site: The Census website, besides other sections, hosted all the
Instruction Manuals, Circulars and Frequently Asked Questions. This
source was also accessed by the Enumerators as well as the public at
large. Similar websites at the Directorate level were used for passing on
instructions as well as for monitoring progress.
13. Audio Visual Media: Innovative training CDs were prepared by several
Directorates and distributed to the field functionaries. Some also broadcast
these over Educational TV Channels and used it as a training medium.
14. Television Serials: An innovative method was the use of a popular
Television Serial, like Tarak Mehta Ka Ultah Chashma to communicate
message of Census 2011. This had a wide reach and great appeal.
15. Folk Arts: A few Directorates used the medium of local folk arts to
communicate messages. This unique approach opened doors especially in
remote tribal pockets and made Census taking easier.
16. Community Volunteers: This was a unique initiative in some North
Eastern States where Civil Society Organisations joined hands with the
Directorates to not only spread awareness but actually take part in the

16

Introductory Note

conduct of the Census. This has had a significant impact in these States and
has greatly enhanced the participation of the general people in the Census.
17. Partnership with Non Governmental Organisations: Disability, Gender and
Homeless, having been identified as areas requiring special focus, efforts
were made in all Directorates to identify and work with credible Non
Governmental Organisations. The participation ranged from awareness
building to extensive involvement in training and even actual participation
in the conduct of field operations. The results have been quite encouraging.
18. Media Plan: Scientific media and communication plans were prepared
during both phases of the Census. This was done by engaging professional
media consultants. The media campaign has been appreciated for its
content, coverage and quality.
19. Republic Day Tableaus: Several States took out Tableaus on Census
2011 on the occasion of Republic day. This was very helpful in spreading
awareness.
20. Car Rallies: Car Rallies were organised in several States. In Madhya
Pradesh, the speciality was that the navigators of the Cars were persons
with seeing disability.
21. Tricycle Rally: A tricycle rally was also organised in Delhi for the disabled.
CONDUCT OF CENSUS 2011

Houselisting and Housing Census


The Census Operations in India are carried out in two phases- the Houselisting
and Housing Census followed by the Population Enumeration. The objective
of the Houselisting and Housing Census is to systematically list out all the
structures, houses and households throughout the country for preparation of a
sound frame for conduct of the Population Enumeration. All the buildings and
houses, wherever necessary are numbered for easy identification at the time
of actual enumeration. The Houselisting and Housing Census was conducted
in different States and Union Territories during April-September 2010. In
addition to collecting data on characteristics of the house, information
on availability of certain amenities and assets to the households were also
collected in this first phase. The Schedules canvassed during this phase are
being processed and the detailed Report containing all Tabulations would be
released soon.

A young Great Andamanese


of Strait Islands of Andaman &
Nicobar Islands

On the way to Census Enumeration in


Andaman & Nicobar Islands

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 17

Calendar of Houselisting and Housing Census


The Calendar of Houselisting and Housing Census is given in the box below:
Calendar of Houselisting and Housing Census in 2010
1st April

New Delhi, West Bengal, Assam, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Goa, Meghalaya

7th April

Kerala, Lakshadweep, Orissa, Himachal Pradesh,


Sikkim

15th April

Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh

21st April

Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu

26th April

Tripura, Andhra Pradesh

1st May

Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand,


Maharashtra, Bihar

7th May

Madhya Pradesh

15th May

Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram, Rajasthan,


Uttar Pradesh

1st June

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Himachal Pradesh,


Nagaland

15th June

Jharkhand

With the exception of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, where extension of time
had to be given on account of certain local problems, the dates were adhered to
in all States/UTs. Similarly, all States/UTs reported complete coverage except
for a few villages in the abovementioned States.
CHANGES IN THE HOUSELISTING AND HOUSING CENSUS SCHEDULE

The attempt at every Census is to maintain continuity in order to allow


comparisons and give a time series of data. However, every Census also
permits a few changes in keeping with the demands of stakeholders. The
changes made in Census 2011 are as follows:
(i) Type of wall: A differentiation has been made between stone packed with
mortar and stone not packed with mortar. The Codes in Census 2011 are:

18

Census 2001

Code

Census 2011

Code

Grass/thatch/bamboo

Grass/thatch/bamboo

Plastic/polythene

Plastic/polythene

Mud/ unburnt brick

Mud/unburnt brick

Wood

Wood

GI/metal/asbestos
sheets

Stone packed with


mortar

Burnt Brick

Stone not packed


with mortar

Stone

GI/metal/asbestos
sheets

Concrete

Burnt Brick

Any Other

Concrete

Any Other

Introductory Note

(ii) Type of roof: The Codes for material of roof have been modified by
distinguishing hand-made tiles from machine made-tiles. The codes used in
Census 2011 compared to the Census 2001 are given below:
Census 2001

Code

Census 2011

Code

Grass/thatch/bamboo/wood/mud etc.

Grass/thatch/bamboo/wood/mud etc.

Plastic/polythene

Plastic/polythene

Tiles

Hand made tiles

Machine made tiles

Slate

Burnt brick

GI/metal/asbestos
sheets

Stone

Brick

Slate

Stone

GI/metal/asbestos
sheets

Concrete

Concrete

Any Other

Any other

(iii) Main source of drinking water: The heading of the question has been
changed from Drinking water source to Main source of drinking water.
Drinking water cannot be classified as safe or unsafe without proper testing.
However an attempt has been made for improving the categorisation of the
sources of drinking water through provision of separate codes for tap water
from treated source and tap water from untreated source. The set of codes as
used in Census 2011 and the corresponding Census 2001 Codes are as follows:
Census 2001

Code

Drinking Water Source

Census 2011

Code

Main Source of Drinking Water

Tap

Tap water from


treated source

Handpump

Tap water from


untreated source

Tubewell

Covered well

Well

Un-covered well

Tank/pond/lake

Hand pump

River/canal

Tube well/borehole

Spring

Spring

Any Other

River/canal

Tank/pond/lake

Other Sources

(iv) Source of Lighting: The heading has been modified as


Main Source of Lighting

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 19

(v) Bathing facility within premises: Realising that bathroom within the
house was a predominantly urban phenomenon, the heading has been changed
as bathing facility within the premises. Moreover, the categories have been
expanded to include Enclosure without roof . The code list for the Census 2011
along with codes as were in Census 2001 are given below:
Census 2001

Code

Census 2011

Code

Bathroom within the house

Bathing facility available within


premises

Yes

Bathroom

No

Enclosure without
roof

No

(vi) Latrine: In Census 2001, information was sought on the availability of


latrine within the house; in Census 2011 it has been modified as available
Within the premises. Attempt has also been made to include other types
of latrines. These categories are more in keeping with the WHO/UNICEF
categories. The set of codes as used in Census 2011 and the corresponding
Census 2001 Codes are as follows:
Census 2001

Code

Census 2011

Code

No Latrine

Flush/pour flush
latrine connected to

Service Latrine

Piped sewer system

Pit Latrine

Septic system

Water Closet

Other system

Pit Latrine
With slab/Ventilated
Improved Pit

Without slab/open
pit

Night soil disposed


into open drain

Service Latrine
Night soil removed
by human

Night soil serviced by 8


animals
No latrine within
premises
Public Latrine

Open

(vi) Computer: This is a new question. Computer and Internet penetration in


the country is still a matter of conjecture as there are no authentic sources for
this data. The Census 2011 would give rich data on this, which would be a vital
input for policy planning. The codes for the new question in Census 2011 are
as follows:

20

Introductory Note

Census 2011

Code

Computer/Laptop possessed
Yes
With Internet

Without Internet

No

(vii) Telephone: The scope of the question on Telephone has been expanded
to separately include Mobile Phone also. With the rapid expansion of Mobile
Phone coverage, traditional landline telephones have become less attractive.
The present Census would give rich data on this aspect. The codes in Census
2011 are as follows:
Census 2001

Code

Telephone
Yes

No

Census 2011

Code

Telephone/Mobile phone
1

Yes
Landline only

Mobile only

Both

No

POPULATION ENUMERATION

The Population Enumeration was undertaken between 9th to 28th February


2011 (both days inclusive). A revisional round was conducted from 1st to 5th
March 2011. The Census Moment, the referral time at which the snapshot
of the population is taken, is 00.00 hours of 1st March 2011. In parts of the
States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which are
snow-bound in February, the Population Enumeration was carried out nonsynchronously in September October 2010. The houseless population, as has
been the usual practice, was enumerated on the night of 28th February 2011.

Enumeration in a forest village in Orissa

PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 21

Features of the Census 2011 Questionnaires


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The new features in Household Schedule of Census 2011 as compared to the


previous Census are as follows:
a) Pre-printing of Location particulars up to District: A highlight of
Census 2011 was the pre-printing of location codes up to District level and
the use of shorter Location Codes in the field. This reduced the burden on
the Enumerators to an extent and improved compliance in the writing of
location Codes on every Schedule.
b) Printing of Bar Codes/ Form Number: The introduction of unique Form
Number and Bar Codes in each Schedule was a new feature. This greatly
facilitated proper inventory management and tracking of Schedules.
c) Colour Drop-Out: The colours chosen for printing the Schedule were
such that they dropped out totally after scanning. This is designed to
facilitate considerable improvement in Intelligent Character Recognition
(ICR).
d) Edge Cut: Cutting one edge in the Schedule is designed to facilitate proper
alignment of Schedules during scanning.
e) Linking of Houselisting with Population Enumeration: A procedure to
link the Housing Census data of matched households to the Population
Enumeration data has been attempted for the first time.
f) Tracking system in case of more than one form is used: A provision to
record the number of the continuation forms used in the case of normal/
Institutional households where more than one Schedule has been used has
been made.
g) Description of Institutional Households: A provision has been made for
recording the description of Institutional households.
h) Gender: In a radical departure from the past, a provision has been made
for the respondent to return a gender other than male or female. This is
an option to be exercised by the respondent and not determined by the
Enumerator.
i)

22

Date of birth: A provision has been made to record age in completed years
as well as date of birth. This is expected to improve reporting of age at least
among a section of the population.

Introductory Note

j)

Current marital status: Separate Codes have been assigned for Divorced
and Separated.

k) Disability: The question on disability has been vastly enlarged in Census


2011. In comparison to the 5 Codes in Census 2001, 8 Codes have been
provided in the present Census. The new Codes are: Mental Retardation,
Mental Illness, Any Other and Multiple Disability. The questions and the
instructions have been finalised after extensive deliberation with civil
society organisations and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Respondents with multiple disability would now be able to report up to 3
disabilities for the first time.
l)

Status of current attendance in educational institution: Separate codes


have been given for persons who have never attended any educational
institution and persons who have attended earlier. An additional code for
recording persons attending special institution for the disabled has also
been added.

m) Worked any time during last year: The question on Work Status has been
modified as below:
Main Worker
If worked for 6 months or more
Marginal Worker
If worked for 3 months or more but less than 6 months
If worked for less than 3 months
Non Worker
If not worked at all
Such a classification would not only retain the older categorization of Main,
Marginal and Non Worker but would also offer richer data on the period of
work.
n) Non-economic activity: A category of Others has been included to
account for commercial sex workers and persons involved in illegal
activities. A new code for rentier has also been introduced.
o) Migration: While processing of the Census 2001 data, it was found
that the non-response with respect to providing the district names
was relatively more both in the question on place of birth and place of
last residence. It was felt that as the names of the districts might have
undergone a change, the respondent was unable to provide the correct
names. Thus, in Census 2011, an added item, namely, the name of village/
town has been added in both these questions.
p) Number of children born alive during last one year: Mention of the
specific period 1st March 2010 to 28th February 2011 on the body of the
Schedule has been done.
QUESTION DROPPED

a) Household engaged in cultivation/plantation: The following question


was canvassed in Census 2001: Total net area of land under cultivation/
plantation; Net area of irrigated land and Tenure status of land under
cultivation/ plantation. The question was canvassed but could not be
tabulated on account of widespread non-response. There were also
PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 23

other technical problems like, variation in the units of measurement,


comparability with other sources of data, namely, the Agricultural Census,
land holding survey of the NSS, etc. Hence it was decided to drop this
question in Census 2011.
b) A comparison of the questions proposed in Census 2011 with the
questions canvassed in Census 2001 is presented below.
Sr. No Census 2001

Census 2011

Remarks

1) Name of person

Name of the person

No Change

2) Relationship to head

Relationship to head

No Change

3) Sex

Sex

Provision for returning a gender other


than male or female

4) Age in completed years

Date of Birth

Date of Birth in addition to age

5) Current marital status

Current marital status

Separate codes for Divorced and


Separated

6) Age at marriage

Age at marriage

No Change

7) Religion

Religion

No Change

8) Mother tongue

Mother tongue

No Change

9) Other languages known

Other languages known

No Change

10) Literacy status

Literacy status

No Change

11) Highest educational level attained

Highest educational level attained

No Change

12) Status of attendance in educational


institution

Status of attendance in educational


institution

Separate Codes for persons who have


never attended and who have attended
before

13) Disability

Disability

Question modified. Three questions


instead of one.

14) Did the person work any time last year

Worked any time during last year

Additional codes for two types of marginal workers (3-6 months, less than 3
months)

15) Category of economic activity

Work category

No Change

16) Occupation of the person

Occupation

No Change

17) Describe in detail the nature of industry, trade or service

Nature of industry, trade or service

No Change

18) Class of worker

Class of worker

No Change

19) Record Code of non-economic activity

Non-economic activity

Adding a separate code for rentiers

20) Is the person seeking/available for


work

Seeking/available for work

No Change

For main or marginal worker

For marginal workers or non-workers

For other workers


Travel to place of work
21) Distance from residence to place of
work in kilometres

One way distance from usual residence No Change


to place of work in kilometres

22) Mode of travel to place of work (Code) Mode of travel to place of work (Code) No Change
23) Birth place

Birth place

Name of village/town is also added

24) Place of last residence

Place of last residence

Name of village/town is also added

25) At the time of migration, was the place At the time of migration, was the place No Change
of last residence Rural/Urban
of last residence Rural/Urban

24

26) Reason for migration of this person

Reason for migration of this person

No Change

27) Duration of stay in this village or town


since migration

Duration of stay in this village or town


since migration

No Change

Introductory Note

Sr. No Census 2001

Census 2011

Remarks

28) Number of children surviving at


present

Number of children surviving at


present

No Change

29) Total no. of children ever born alive

Total no. of children ever born alive

No Change

Number of children born alive during


last one year

No Change

For ever married woman

For currently married woman


30) Number of children born alive during
last one year
For household engaged in cultivation/
plantation
31) Total net area of land under cultivation/plantation

Dropped

32) Net area of irrigated land

Dropped

33) Tenure status of land under cultivation/


plantation

Dropped

It is indeed a matter of great satisfaction that the Population Enumeration has


been completed in all the States/UTs. The Coverage Certificates given by all the
Principal Census Officers indicate that the coverage has been cent percent.
POST ENUMERATION SURVEY

The Census Organisation since Independence has traditionally been evaluating


the results of the Population Censuses through Post Enumeration Surveys
(PES). No precise estimate of the extent of error in the Census count was
ever made prior to Independence. The objective of the PES is to quantify
the omission and duplication in the Census enumeration, that is coverage
error as well as to measure the response error in respect of certain selected
characteristics canvassed at the Census called content error. The results are
of help in identifying areas that would need attention such as concepts and
definitions employed, procedures of enumeration and related instructions to
the field staff, etc. as well as in improving the conduct of future Censuses. No
attempts, however, are made to adjust the Census results based on the PES
results.
During Census of India 2011, PES of both Houselisting Operations and
Population Enumeration has been proposed to be conducted separately after
the conclusion of the respective phases. The field work of the PES of the first
phase, that is, Houselisting Operations has been completed in all the States and
Union Territories during 16 August to 15 September, 2010. The sampling frame
used for selection of samples for conducting the PES of this phase was the
sampling units of the Sample Registration System (SRS). A total of 1,929 SRS
Units were selected for PES spread over all the States and Union Territories.
Total number of Houselisting Blocks in each SRS Unit depended upon the
population of SRS Unit. Since the PES estimation methodology is based on
the assumption of independence between the PES and the census operations,
wherever possible, the field work was carried out by the staff of the respective
State Governments. In the other States/UTs, officials of the respective
Directorate of Census Operations conducted the field work The enumerators
were specially trained for conducting the PES.
It is proposed to start the PES of the second phase of Census of India 2011,
that is, Population Enumeration in April, 2011 in all the States and Union
Territories. A total of 4,000 Enumeration Blocks of Population Enumeration
has been selected for the purpose of estimating coverage error. For measuring
PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 25

content error, 20 percent sub-sample of the selected enumeration blocks has


been selected. Most of the State Governments/UT Administrations have agreed
to provide their Staff for the field work and supervision. Intensive training will
be imparted to them before the field operation. The field work is proposed to
be conducted during April to June, 2011.
Net omission rates of persons at the All-India level based on the PES of
population enumeration for 1981 to 2001 Censuses by sex and residence are
presented below:
/FUPNJTTJPOSBUFT QFSUIPVTBOEQFSTPOT
BU"MM*OEJBMFWFMCZTFYBOESFTJEFODFo
1981-2001.
4FY

Total

Rural

Urban

1981

1991

2001

1981

1991

2001

1981

1991

2001

Persons

18.0

17.6

23.3

15.0

16.8

16.8

27.6

19.8

39.8

Males

17.1

17.3

23.5

13.8

16.0

16.2

27.7

21.1

41.5

Females

18.8

17.9

23.1

16.3

17.7

17.5

27.5

18.3

37.9

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The people of India have, as usual done it! Nothing could have been
accomplished without their active cooperation. Team Census 2011 expresses
its humble and heartfelt gratitude to the billion plus people of this great
country who have overwhelmingly responded to the call and participated
wholeheartedly to make this gigantic task a success.
The heroines and heroes of Census 2011 have undoubtedly been the 2.7
million Enumerators and Supervisors who have spared no efforts to complete
the arduous task in time. Three weeks to cover a vast and diverse country
like India a task looked at with awe by the world but accomplished by
these humble women and men with sincerity and devotion to duty. The
nation is proud of them and we salute each one of them for their hard work,
perseverance and patience.
The tremendous effort of the support team, who are the backbone of any
successful venture, often goes unacknowledged. Census 2011 would not be
what it is without their effort! We thank the army of Master Trainers, Master
Trainer Facilitators and the National Trainers, numbering around 55, 000 in all
who have trained the Enumerators and Supervisors.
The 15,000 strong team of Charge Officers and Special Charge Officers, are our
field Commanders. Little could have been accomplished without this vital link
in the chain. It is on the strength of their shoulders that any National campaign
rests and to their full credit they deliver each and every time! Our sincere
gratitude to each one of them.
The Principal Census Officers, (District Collectors/Magistrates/Deputy
Commissioners, Commissioners of Municipal Corporations) and others senior
officials of the District and Municipal Corporations have been unsparing in
their efforts to ensure that the Census Operations are completed smoothly.
Heartfelt thanks to them for a job well done.
The Census is a fitting example of how National campaigns are accomplished
in India with the Federal and Provincial Governments working in close
cooperation. The State/UT Administrations have rendered unstinting
cooperation to make Census 2011 a success. Our debt of gratitude to the
26

Introductory Note

Chief Secretaries, Nodal Officers and all other senior officials in the State
Governments who have taken personal interest and have provided all the
required assistance needed. Our deep sense of gratitude to the Governors, Lt.
Governors and Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories who
graciously extended a helping hand whenever approached.
We are grateful to the members of the Technical Advisory Committee for
providing invaluable suggestions and enriching us with their experience.
Thanks are also due to several demographers, social scientists and other
data users for their constructive suggestions. I am especially grateful to
Shri A. R. Nanda and Shri J. K. Banthia, both former Registrar Generals &
Census Commissioners, India for their unstinting support and advice.
The Office of the Surveyor General of India has closely worked with us on the
digital mapping project in the State/UT Capitals. The Directorate of Printing
and Stationary and all the Central and State Government Presses, have stood
shoulder to shoulder with us to complete the huge job of printing within a
short time. The Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals has gone to
great lengths to ensure the timely supply of paper and to ensure its quality.
The Department of Posts has successfully undertaken the challenging task of
managing the logistics. They have also come out with a special commemorative
Postal Stamp on Census 2011. The NIC and NICSI have been extremely
supportive of us and have extended great support to Census 2011. We would
like to place on record our sincere appreciation to all of them.
Our thanks are due to the Planning Commission, the Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Finance,
the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Rural Development, the Ministry
of Urban Development and all the other Ministries and Departments of the
Central Government for their support and advice.
The various organisations of the United Nations- UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP,
UN Women and also UNSD have been a source of constant support for Census
2011. Their involvement in Training and Publicity initiatives is significant and
the model of multiple UN agencies working in tandem, is worth emulating
in other projects. We gratefully acknowledge the contribution of all these
agencies.
Civil society organisations working in the field of disability, gender, the
homeless, street children and several such have wholeheartedly supported us
in our efforts. They have come forward in a big way in augmenting our efforts
in training, publicity and at times during the actual conduct of Census. We
would be remiss in our duty if we did not acknowledge their support.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Directorate of Audio and Visual Publicity
(DAVP), Doordarshan and All India Radio have provided support in the media
campaign. The Department of Consumer Affairs also ran an active media
campaign during the Census period. Several other departments and agencies
have added their bit to the publicity efforts of the States and Union Territories.
We would like to thank all of them for their contributions. The electronic and
print media has taken Census 2011 to every home in the country. They have
kept us on our toes by giving us a reality check constantly. We would like to
express our gratitude to the media for their support.
The former Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India Shri D. K. Sikri
was at the helm of affairs till November 2009. Under his able leadership the
basic contours of Census 2011 were conceptualised. I am personally beholden
to him for his continuing support and guidance.
PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTALS INDIA 27

The Home Secretary has backed us all in each and every way. His doors have
always been open to us. Similarly, the Financial Advisor and his office have
been supportive of us throughout. We express our gratitude to the entire
Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Honble Union Home Minister has been a pillar of strength in all our
endeavours. His continuing leadership and personal involvement in all matters
concerning the Census and his efforts to ensure that its integrity was not
compromised, has been a source of motivation for us. He has indeed left a
lasting mark on Census 2011. We sincerely acknowledge his contribution. The
Ministers of State of Home Affairs have similarly been a constant source of
support. We thank them sincerely.
We acknowledge with thanks, the encouragement received from the Honble
President of India, the Honble Vice President of India, the Honble Prime
Minister of India and other members of the Union Cabinet.
To my team at the headquarters and the States/UTs, the Additional Registrar
General, the Deputy Director Generals, the Joint Registrar General, the
Deputy Registrar Generals, the Directors of Census Operations, the Director
(Administration), the Joint Directors and all the members of the team Census
2011, my personal debt of gratitude (Annexure-III). To say that the last two
years have been a huge challenge for each one of us in the Census family, would
definitely be an understatement. Every member of the Census organisation,
at the headquarters and the Directorates has toiled ceaselessly for the success
of Census 2011. Our family members have been a tower of strength silently
supporting and encouraging us to dedicate ourselves to this National cause.
Collective effort and team spirit has enabled us to climb these heady heights.
Kudos to the entire Team of Census 2011!
Census 2011 is epoch making from yet another perspective. While it has
thrown up benchmark data on the abundant human resource of India, it
has also laid the foundation for National Population Register. The National
Population Register when completed would significantly impact the way future
Censuses would be conducted in the country.
The creation of the National Population Register, the issue of Caste
Enumeration, the threat of left wing extremism, local socio-political agitations
in the States/UTs have added to the workload besides raising anxiety levels.
It is heartening that the sweat and toil has paid off and the Census has been
completed without any exception across the country. It is indeed with a great
sense of relief and satisfaction that we place before the people of India, the first
results of Census 2011-The Provisional Population Totals.
Bouquets for successfully completing this mammoth exercise go to Team
Census 2011. Brickbats, if any, are exclusively mine.
Dr. C. Chandramouli,
Registrar General &
Census Commissioner, India
Chaitra, Ekadashi,Vikram Samvat 2067
30th March 2011

28

CENSUS OF INDIA 2011

Provisional
Population
Totals
FIGURES AT A GLANCE
INDIA
POPULATION 1

Persons

1,21,01,93,422

Males
Females

62,37,24,248
58,64,69,174

DECADAL
POPULATION GROWTH 2001-2011

Absolute

Percentage

Persons
Males
Females

18,14,55,986
9,15,01,158
8,99,54,828

17.64
17.19
18.12

DENSITY OF POPULATION 2

382

SEX RATIO

940

(per sq. km.)

(females per 1000 males)

POPULATION IN
THE AGE GROUP 0-6 1

Absolute

Persons
Males
Females

15,87,89,287
8,29,52,135
7,58,37,152
Absolute

Percentage to
total
population
13.12
13.30
12.93
Literacy rate

Persons
Males
Females

77,84,54,120
44,42,03,762
33,42,50,358

74.04
82.14
65.46

LITERATES 1

F Notes: please see notes overleaf.

F General Notes
1. The figures for India and Manipur, include by sex, the estimated population, 0-6 population
and literates of Paomata, Mao Maram and Purul sub-divisions of Senapati district of Manipur for
Census 2001 and 2011.
2. For working out density of India and the State of Jammu & Kashmir, the entire area and population of those portions of Jammu & Kashmir which are under illegal occupation of Pakistan and
China have not been taken into account.
3. For Census 2011, the population of Others has been clubbed with the Males for working
out population, 0-6 population, literates and related rates and ratios.
4. In working out decadal variation and percentage decadal variation for 1941-1951 & 19511961 of India and Nagaland State, the population of Tuensang District for 1951 (7,025) & the
population of Tuensang (83,501) & Mon (50,774) districts for 1961 Census have not been
taken into account as the area was censused for the first time in 1951 and the same are not
comparable.
5. The 1981 Census could not be held owing to disturbed conditions prevailing in Assam.
Hence the population figures for 1981 of Assam have been worked out by Interpolation.
6. The 1991 Census was not held in Jammu & Kashmir. Hence the population figures for
1991 of Jammu & Kashmir have been worked out by Interpolation.
7. The distribution of population of Pondicherry (Puducherry) by sex for 1901 (246,354),
and 1931 (258,628) and 1941 (285,011) is not avaiable. The figures of India for these years
are, therefore, exclusive of these population figures so far as distribution by sex is concerned.
8. Arunachal Pradesh was censused for the first time in 1961.
9. In 1951, Tuensang was censused for the first time for 129.5 sq.kms. of areas only. In 1961
censused areas of Tuensang District of Nagaland was increased to 5356.1 sq. kms.
10. Due to non-availability of census data the figures for the decades, from 1901 to 1951 have
been estimated for the districts of Kohima, Phek, Wokha, Zunheboto, and Mokokchung of
Nagaland. Estimation however could not be done for Tuensang and Mon as they were not fully
censused prior to 1961.
11. As the sex break-up for the districts.Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna,
Ratlam, Ujjain, Shajapur, Dewas, Jhabua, Dhar, Indore, West Nimar ( Khargone ), Barwani,
Rajgarh, Bhopal, Sehore and Raisen is not available for the year 1901. Figures for males and
females have been estimated for the year 1901 for Madhya Pradesh.
12. One village Ramtapur (code No. 217 and 101 in 1951 and 1961 respectively) of Jukkal circle
of Degulur taluka which was transferred under the state Reorganisation Act, 1956 from Maharashtra to Andhra Pradesh, still continues in Nanded district of Maharashtra. The population of
this village has, however, been adjusted in Nizamabad district for the year 1901 - 1951.
13. The names of Uttaranchal and Pondicherry have changed to Uttarakhand and Puducherry
respectively after Census 2001

Note of caution:

The figures in this report being of a provisional nature, only the important footnotes
have been given above. The detailed footnotes would be given when the final population tables are released.

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