Census 2011 – Do You Know?

Input from the Ministry of Home Affairs

• Census is the basis for reviewing the country's progress in the past decade and monitoring the on-going schemes of the Government.
• Census 2011 will be the 15th National Census of the country.
For the first time a National Population Register (NPR) is being prepared as a part of Census exercise. This is a Register of Usual Residents.
• The NPR will be a comprehensive identity database that would help in better targetting of the benefits and services under the Government schemes/programmes, improve planning and help strengthen security of the country. This will benefit people of the country in the years to come.
• Government servants duly appointed as Enumerators visit each and every house and collect the information required by asking questions and filling up Census Forms.
• Details such as Name, Date of Birth, Sex, Present Address, Permanent Address, Names of Father, Mother and Spouse etc will be gathered by visiting each and every household. All usual residents., will be eligible to be included irrespective of their Nationality.
• In the Houselisting and Housing Census, 35 questions relating to building material, use of houses, drinking water, availability and type of latrines, electricity, possession of assets etc. are being canvassed.
• The enumerator takes down all particulars as given by respondents. Respondents are not required to show any proof.
• Each household is required to provide information without any fear. The information collected about individuals is kept absolutely confidential and will not be shared with any agency - Government or private.
• The NPR form has to be signed by the respondents. In case one requires, he/she may ask the Enumerator to read it out and then affix signature/thumb impression. In any case, do ascertain that the details are correctly entered.
• The provision of false information can invite penalties under the Census and Citizenship Acts.
• Each and every household will be given an Acknowledgement Slip at the time of enumeration.
• Once the information is compiled, the data compiled will be printed out and displayed at prominent places within the village and ward for the public to see. Objections will be sought and registered at that stage.
• The data finalized will be entered into computers in the local language of the State as well as in English. Once this database has been created, biometrics such as photograph, 10 fingerprints and probably Iris information will be added for all persons aged 15 years and above. This will be done by arranging camps at every village and at the ward level in every town.
• Each household will be required to bring the Acknowledgement Slip to such camps. Those who miss these camps will be given the opportunity to present themselves at permanent NPR Centres to be set up at the Tehsil/Town level.
• After the NPR has been finalised, the database will be used only within the Government.
Unique ID numbers will also be generated for every person. The UID Number will be available for each individual. For those below the age of 15 years (for whom biometrics is not available), the UID Number will be linked to the parent or guardian. (PIB)