Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 47

At how many intervals of years is the census conducted in India?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Think about the periodicity of major national surveys.

Correct Answer: C) 10 years.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Indian Census is a significant national survey that provides detailed information about the population, housing, and socio-economic conditions of the country. It is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The primary purpose of the census is to collect data that can be used for planning and policy-making at various levels of government.

The frequency of the Indian Census is every 10 years. This periodicity is chosen to ensure that the data collected is comprehensive and can be used to track long-term trends and changes in the population. Conducting the census every 10 years also allows for a more thorough and detailed survey, as it requires significant resources and coordination across the country.

The first modern census in India was conducted in 1872 under British rule. Since then, the census has been conducted regularly every 10 years, with the most recent census taking place in 2011. The next census is scheduled for 2021. The data collected during the census is used for various purposes, including the allocation of resources, planning of infrastructure, and the implementation of social welfare programs.

It is important to note that the 10-year interval is a standard practice for many countries around the world, not just India. This periodicity allows for a balance between the need for up-to-date data and the logistical and financial constraints of conducting such a large-scale survey. The census is a crucial tool for understanding the demographic and socio-economic landscape of the country, and its regularity ensures that policymakers have access to reliable and comprehensive data.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The census is not conducted every 4 years. This might be confused with the frequency of some other periodic surveys or elections.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The census is not conducted every 5 years. This might be a common misconception due to the frequency of other national or international surveys.
  • Option C: This option is correct. The Indian Census is conducted every 10 years, providing a comprehensive demographic and socio-economic snapshot of the country.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The census is not conducted every 15 years. This might be a less common misconception, possibly due to confusion with other long-term surveys or events.

Mnemonic: Every Decade, Census Takes Place

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