Census 2011

Census has been conducted in India since 1872. 15th Indian National census began on May 1, 2010. and this is the first time biometric information will be collected. The census is conducted in two phases.

(1) Housing and Houselisting census (ended on June 15, 2010):

Houselisting Schedule contains 35 questions.

Ex:

Building number

Bathing facility within the premises

Bicycle
Scooter/Motor cycle/Moped
Car/Jeep/Van

Availing Banking services

Housing list contains 29 questions.

Ex:

Relationship to head

Highest educational level attained

Reason for migration

(2) National Population Register (will begin on Februrary 9)

It contains 9 questions.

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

Controversies:

Information on castes initially not intended to be collected was later included after demand from almost all opposition parties. Information on caste was last collected duringBritish Raj in 1931. During the early census, people often exaggerated their caste status to garner social status and it is expected that people downgrade it now in the expectation of gaining government benefits.

There is only one instance of a caste-count in post-Independent India. It was conducted in Kerala in 1968 by the Communist government under E. M. S. Namboodiripad to assess the social and economic backwardness of various lower castes. The census was termed Socio-Economic Survey of 1968 and the results were published in the Gazetteer of Kerala, 1971

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