The Census of India is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, ______.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1: 1948.
Explanation:
- In India, the census exercise is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.
- Constitutional Basis: Under Article 246 of the Indian Constitution, the census is a subject of the 'Union List'. It is listed at Entry No. 69 of the Seventh Schedule.
- Responsible Ministry: The responsibility for conducting the census lies with the 'Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India', functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
- Confidentiality: The Act of 1948 ensures that personal information collected during the census remains strictly confidential and cannot be used as evidence in any court of law.
History of the Census (Quick Revision):
- First Attempt: The first (non-synchronous) census in India was conducted in 1872 during the tenure of Lord Mayo.
- First Official Census: India's first complete and regular (synchronous) census began in 1881 during the time of Lord Ripon.
- Year of Great Divide: The year 1921 is referred to as the 'Year of Great Divide' in the history of the census, as the population growth rate remained negative during this period.
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: Who is the highest-ranking official under the Census Act, 1948?
Answer: The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
Question: In which year was the first census of independent India conducted?
Answer: In 1951 (this was the first census conducted under the Act of 1948).
Question: At what interval is the census conducted in India?
Answer: Every 10 years.