While it has been undertaken every 10 years, beginning in 1872 under british viceroy lord mayo, the first complete census was taken in 1881. post 1949 it has been conducted by the registrar general and census commissioner of india under the ministry of home affairs government of india.

The Fast All India Population Census in India

The fast all India population census was conducted in the year 2011. The census is a comprehensive exercise carried out by the Government of India to gather information about the population of the country. It is conducted once every ten years and provides valuable data on various socio-economic parameters.

Importance of Population Census
The population census is crucial for several reasons:
1. Planning: The census data helps in the planning and implementation of various government policies and programs. It provides insights into the distribution of population, literacy levels, employment patterns, and other important demographic details that aid in resource allocation and development planning.

2. Resource Allocation: Census data is used to allocate resources to different regions based on their population size and needs. It helps in determining the number of schools, hospitals, roads, and other infrastructure required in each area.

3. Policy Formulation: The census provides data on various social indicators such as literacy rates, gender ratios, and employment patterns. This information is utilized to formulate policies aimed at addressing social inequality, promoting education, and improving healthcare facilities.

Conducting the Census
The population census in India is conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The process involves the following steps:

1. Enumeration: Enumerators, trained personnel appointed by the government, visit every household in the country to collect data. They record information on various parameters such as age, sex, religion, education, occupation, and housing conditions.

2. Data Capture: The collected data is then compiled and processed using advanced technology. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) techniques are used to digitize the information.

3. Analysis and Publication: Once the data is processed, it is analyzed to generate reports and publications. These reports provide insights into the demographic composition, social characteristics, and economic status of the population.

The 2011 Census
The fast all India population census in 2011 was a significant milestone in the history of Indian censuses. It was the first time the government used handheld electronic devices for data collection, enabling faster and more accurate data capture. The census covered over 1.2 billion people, making it one of the largest exercises of its kind in the world.

The 2011 census provided valuable insights into the changing demographics of the country. It revealed a population growth rate of 17.7% since the previous census in 2001. The data also highlighted the decline in the child sex ratio and the increasing trend of urbanization in India.

Overall, the fast all India population census in 2011 played a vital role in shaping government policies and programs. It provided a comprehensive understanding of the population dynamics, helping policymakers address various social and economic challenges in the country.