Census 2021 will collect data on OBCs

Census 2021 will be finalised in three years after conducting the census instead of seven to eight years now.

Census enumerator Kalpana Singh (C) checks her records before she enters a house to take details for the census in New Delhi on May 11, 2010. Photo: AFP (File)

NEW DELHI: Census 2021 will for the first time collect data on Other Backwards Classes, the Home Ministry said on Thursday. Census 2021 will be finalised in three years after conducting the census instead of seven to eight years now, a home ministry spokesperson said. "It is also envisaged to collect data on OBCs for the first time," he added. The disclosure came after Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparation for the Census 2021. "Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the functioning of the Office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India," the ministry said in a release. Singh discussed the roadmap for undertaking the Census in 2021 and it was emphasised that improvements in design and technological interventions be made so as to ensure that the Census data is finalized within three years after conducting of Census. At present, it takes around 7 to 8 years to release the complete data. Nearly 25 lakh enumerators are trained and engaged for the gigantic exercise and accurate collection of data will be ensured in Census 2021. It is also envisaged to collect data on OBC for the first time and the use of maps/georeferencing at the time of house listing is also under consideration, the statement said. Singh also emphasised the need of improvement in Civil Registration System especially on registration of birth and death in remote areas and strengthening Sample Registration System for estimating the data namely, Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Ratio and Fertility Rates. (With inputs from PTI)