Who is known as the father of Indian Census?

The correct answer is Henry Walter.

Key Points

• Henry Walter is regarded as the "Father of the Indian Census" for organizing the first modern census in India in 1830.
• The first systematic census in India was conducted under British rule by Henry Walter in the town of Dacca (now Dhaka) in 1830.
• Henry Walter was instrumental in introducing the concept of recording population statistics in an organized and structured manner.
• This laid the foundation for the decennial census system in India, which officially began in 1872 and continues to this day.
• The census in India now provides critical data for planning and policy-making, a practice rooted in the groundwork laid by Henry Walter.

Additional Information

• Indian Census Overview:
  • The Indian Census is conducted every 10 years, providing detailed demographic, social, and economic data.
  • The first official synchronous census in India was conducted in 1881 under British rule.
  • Post-independence, the Census of India is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Decennial Census:
  • The census collects data on population, literacy, occupation, religion, language, and housing, among other parameters.
  • The data is vital for planning welfare schemes, resource allocation, and policy formulation.
• Importance of Census:
  • It helps in understanding the demographic changes and trends over time.
  • The census data is crucial for electoral delimitation and the allocation of parliamentary seats.
  • It supports the government in addressing socio-economic issues effectively.
• Modern Census Techniques:
  • The 2021 Census aimed to leverage digital technologies for faster and more accurate data collection.
  • For the first time, citizens were given the option of self-enumeration through a mobile app.