Which census introduced the category of persons with 'physical infirmities' such as the blind, the deaf, and the dumb?

​

Correct option is B

1931

The 1931 Census of India introduced the category of persons with 'physical infirmities', including those who were blind, deaf, or dumb. This marked a significant step in recognizing and categorizing individuals with disabilities in official records. The purpose was to better understand the extent of physical impairments and to enable policymakers to focus on the social, economic, and healthcare needs of these populations.

Before this, previous censuses had not systematically classified people with such disabilities. The 1931 census represented a shift towards more inclusive data collection, acknowledging the needs of people with various physical impairments.

Information Booster:

1. Census Classification – The 1931 Census was the first to collect data on individuals with physical disabilities such as blindness, deafness, and mutism, offering a systematic classification for the disabled population.
2. Social Impact – The inclusion of disability-related categories in the census helped highlight the issues related to social inclusion and the need for specialized welfare programs and medical care for disabled people.
3. Policy Implications – The data from the census enabled the government and society to recognize the need for improved accessibility, support services, and better integration for people with disabilities.
4. Shift in Perspective – This move reflected a broader shift in social and medical attitudes, moving towards a more inclusive approach for people with physical challenges.
5. Disability as a Social Category – By recognizing disabilities in the census, it was easier to quantify and address issues around education, employment, and mobility for people with disabilities.

Additional Knowledge:

• 1881 Census – This census did not include categories for people with physical impairments. It was more focused on population growth and economic data.
• 1951 Census – This census did not introduce new categories of disability but continued collecting data on the population.
• 1961 Census – Although this census continued the categorization of disability, it was the 1931 Census that was pivotal in recognizing physical impairments in official records.