How many phases are involved in the census operations in India?

Correct option is D

​The correct answer is (d) Two

Explanation:

In India, the census operation is conducted in two phases:

1. House-listing and Housing Census – In this phase, details about all the buildings, houses, and establishments are collected. It includes data like the type of house, amenities available, and materials used for construction.
2. Population Enumeration – In this second phase, the actual counting of people living in the houses is done. Information regarding individuals like name, age, gender, religion, education, occupation, and language is collected.

Thus, the Indian Census is a two-phase operation, traditionally conducted every 10 years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Information Booster:

Census in India:

• First Census: The first synchronous census in India was conducted in 1881.
• Conducting Authority: The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India is responsible for carrying out the census.
• Frequency: The census is conducted once every 10 years.
• Last Census in 2011
• Latest Update: The Census 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legal/Constitutional Basis of Census in India

• Union List Entry:
• The Population Census is listed under Entry 69 of the Union List (Seventh Schedule) of the Constitution of India.
• This empowers the Central Government to legislate and conduct the census.
• Legislative Framework:
• The Census is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.
• The Act provides the legal foundation for the procedures, confidentiality, and penalties associated with census operations.