Census Of India Research Articles

Impact of educational attainment, caste dynamics and occupation on fertility behaviour among women in Bihar

According to the 2011 Census of India, Bihar is the most densely populated state and has a higher fertility rate than the national average. Recent findings from the NFHS-5 indicate a gradual decline in fertility rates. However, the state’s fertility level remains at three, exceeding the government’s target of two. This study examines the impact of women’s education, employment status, social status and other demographic factors on fertility behavior using NFHS-5 data from a specific district in Bihar. The district was selected based on demographic density and literacy statistics. The multinomial logistic regression method was employed to analyze the association between the total number of children ever born and various demographic characteristics. The analysis categorizes fertility behavior into three parameters: one child, two children and three children. The findings reveal a significant impact of female education and working status on fertility outcomes, validating the research hypotheses. This study underscores the critical role of socioeconomic and demographic factors in shaping fertility patterns in Bihar.

The role of neighborhood and household level socio-economic status in determining air pollution exposure in two Indian cities

Abstract Although recent studies indicate that air pollution exposure affects lower socioeconomic groups more, there is limited evidence regarding the relative influence of household and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) on air pollution exposure in lower- and middle-income country settings. We evaluated the associations between neighborhood- and household-level SES metrics and exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) in two populous Indian cities, ‒Delhi and Chennai. We used data from the Center for cArdiometabolic Risk Reduction in SouthAsia cohort study to obtain household-level SES indicators such as household income, years of education, and wealth index score. Neighborhood-level SES was calculated based on ward-level socio-demographic variables from the 2011 Census of India. Daily average PM2.5 for the years 2010–2016 at a spatial resolution of 1 km × 1 km, were obtained from a hybrid exposure model for each city. For both cities, we observed a stronger association between neighborhood-level SES and ambient PM2.5, than household level SES. The study signifies that neighborhood-level SES factors are important confounders that should be considered while examining the relationship between ambient PM2.5 exposure and health outcomes in the study area.

Education, Health and Living condition of Agricultural labourers in India: Insight from NSSO and Census Data

Abstract: This research paper examines the education, health, and living conditions of agricultural labourers in India using data primarily from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the census of India. Agricultural labourers constitute a significant and often vulnerable segment of the Indian workforce. Understanding their socio-economic status is crucial for formulating effective policies aimed at their upliftment and overall rural development. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of their current situation, identify key challenges, and highlight regional disparities. By analyzing quantitative data from large-scale surveys, this study seeks to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the realities faced by agricultural labourers in India.

Air pollution and respiratory health risks in Jharkhand: a remote sensing and statistical approach.

Air pollution has been worse since the Industrial Revolution and is now a significant health issue around the world. In this study, we have focused on assessing spatiotemporal changes in air pollution and its impact on public health status in Jharkhand using MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD), concentration of particulate matter like PM2.5 and respirable suspended particulate matter (PM10), SO2, and NO2, along with detailed statistics of number of asthma patients collected from the Annual Health Survey, Census of India. The study reveals that most districts in the northern and eastern boundaries of the state have higher concentrations of PM2.5 and AOD values, while the southwestern part has lower concentrations. The highest decadal mean ± SD AOD was found in Godda district (0.432 ± 0.05), while the lowest was in Gumla district (0.202 ± 0.02). Potential regional variations in air quality are highlighted by the assessment of PM2.5 concentrations, which shows a distinct geographical pattern with both decadal and annual mean levels consistently increasing from the southwestern region to the eastern and northern portions of the study region. Aerosol loading increased by 13.95% and 2.945% over the study area from 2010 to 2013, respectively. The predominance of RSPM in-ground monitoring stations was observed, with annual concentrations higher than the national ambient air quality level due to proximity to mining zones or industrial activities. Jamshedpur and Dhanbad cities also showed higher annual concentrations of NO2. The study found that urban populations are 49.75% more affected than rural populations, with male-urban populations being more affected by 23.60% and female-urban populations by 58.26%. The average growth rate of total patients diagnosed with asthma was 92.84% and 90.13% from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Rural populations are more affected by air pollution due to their involvement in anthropogenic activities like wood and metal workshops, brick kilns, construction work, mining, and cement industries. Thus, both the short- and long-term studies infer that the variation in the mean concentration of PM2.5 and AOD throughout the study region is positively and significantly correlated with the number of persons who reported having asthma. The study provides a detailed insight into air pollution assessment and its impacts on public health, helping the government and policymakers adopt new policies to mitigate and manage air pollution levels and improve public health status in the study area.

Malnutrition among Preschool Children in Karnataka State: A Geographical Analysis

Malnutrition refers to a condition which results when the diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients. Under nutrition and over nutrition are the types of malnutrition. Over nutrition arises from excessive intake of nutrients while under nutrition is the result of insufficient intake of energy and nutrients. It is one of the most important global health issues as there is a very high prevalence of malnutrition in developing countries. Every year, millions of children are either disabled or killed by under nutrition. Malnutrition also obstructs millions more children from reaching their full physical and intellectual growth. Main reasons for malnutrition are poverty, socio-economic status of the parents. As per UNICEF report (2006) “The causes of childhood malnutrition are the insufficient diet, frequent infections, poor breastfeeding practices, delayed introduction of complementary foods and inadequate protein in the diet”. Apart from its adverse effects, malnutrition can be treated with identification and proper management. Though there are many specific programmes like Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to combat malnutrition, about two third of the under five children in India are malnourished, among them 5 to 8% are severely malnourished. To reduce the prevalence of malnutrition, its magnitude, causes and effects have to be identified promptly. So that the proper measures to control malnutrition can be implemented. Thus, the present paper makes an attempt to highlight the problem of malnutrition in Karnataka state for which the data sources are largely based on secondary data collected from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-2021), Census of India and online sources etc. Simple methods like charts, graphs and maps have been employed to demonstrate the different degrees of malnutrition in the state.

The Political Dynamics of Caste Census in India: Its Impact on Electoral Strategies

The Political Dynamics of Caste Census in India: Its Impact on Electoral Strategies

A Study on Retail Buying Behaviour and Impact in Emerging Economies

Behavior is regularly considered random and therefore cannot be generalized. Furthermore, retail purchases are usually made by individuals and are influenced by cultural considerations. This paper aims to identify dangerous incidents in emerging countries such as BRICS. In the broadside, the vital incident approach is applied to capture retail procurement behaviors that produce both effective and futile outcomes. The authors examine the incident with theoretical proof to give an explanation for the end result.This takes a look at is distinctive as it is premised on the voice of retail shopping for behavior to offer an explanation for real-international selection-making with hypothetical resistance from consumer works. To recognize retail store forms and retail customer forms, the reason is to select retail stores and retail store shopping, products preferred by using retail stores, retail product line, and services predicted with the aid of retail customers.These surveys were commissioned and conducted online via unbiased research. Approximately 311 randomly selected customers in the market were surveyed nationwide. The information was collected and weighted to be a consultant to the Indian Census for gender, age and geographic area. A 95 percent self-assessment was used to verify importance.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Asur Tribe of Jharkhand: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

The Asur tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Jharkhand, India, exemplifies the intersection of cultural resilience and socio-economic vulnerability. With a population of approximately 22,459 in Jharkhand (Census of India, 2011), their historical prominence as iron-smelters has waned under the pressures of modernization, mining, and land alienation. This paper employs a multidisciplinary framework—integrating anthropology, history, sociology, and economics—to examine their cultural practices, economic transitions, and contemporary challenges. Notable cultural traits, such as mourning during Dussehra and the use of the Asuri language, underscore their distinct identity, while poverty, illiteracy, and environmental degradation threaten their survival. The study advocates for culturally sensitive development policies to preserve their heritage and enhance their socio-economic status, contributing to broader discourse on indigenous rights and sustainability.

India’s language policy for deaf and hard-of-hearing people

Abstract The aim of the paper is to investigate India’s language policy for its deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Although India’s language policy has been examined in great detail in existing research, policies for deaf and hard-of-hearing have received little attention by scholars. In light of the scarcity of debate and research on policies for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, the paper focuses on four key issues. First, it takes a critical view of the neglect of deaf and hard-of-hearing at various levels, including academic, social and political. Second, it discusses the negative consequences of the problematic terminology that has been used in Indian censuses to count the number of deaf people in India. Third, the paper examines policy legislation in two domains (media and education) along with certain recent initiatives and their implementation, with the purpose of analysing to what extent recent policy changes have addressed, in these two domains, the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Finally, the paper discusses the drawbacks of the oralist teaching method practised in Indian schools. The discussion of these issues is followed by certain policy recommendations, one of which is to recognise the Indian Sign Language as one of the official languages of India so that a more inclusive policy for deaf and hard-of-hearing can be devised.

The Literacy Paradox: Understanding Violence Against Women in Bihar

This study examines the relationship between literacy rates and violence against women in the districts of Bihar. Using secondary data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the Census of India, 2011, statistical analyses were conducted to explore correlations between female literacy and crime rates. The findings reveal a weak yet positive correlation, suggesting that as female literacy rates increase, reported crimes against women also rise. This counterintuitive trend indicates that factors beyond literacy, such as socio-cultural influences, economic conditions, and law enforcement efficacy, significantly impact women's safety. The study underscores the need for a holistic approach that integrates education with broader socio-economic and legal reforms to effectively combat gender-based violence.

Burden of Musculoskeletal (MSK) Pain and Arthritis in India: A Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD-Bone and Joint Decade (BJD)) India Project.

Several countries have participated in WHO COPCORD. The Global Disease Burden program (GBD) reports selected MSK disorders. We used a COPCORD India protocol to estimate the national burden of MSK disorders. Trained paramedics used standard questionnaires to screen the population and identify respondents with current and/or past MSK pain (non-traumatic) in 12 survey sites (8 rural); cross-sectional design and prospective data. Several standard measures were recorded; MSK pain was self-reported (on human manikin). The site rheumatologist examined each respondent and provided a clinical diagnosis. Pooled data (anonymized) from all sites was analyzed using standard statistical software. Standardized point prevalence rates (adjusted to Indian Census) and odds ratios (risk factors) were calculated: 95% confidence intervals in parentheses. 56 548 population (60% rural, response rate > 70%) was screened; 10 273 respondents (18%, 65% women). The prevalence of MSK pain was 16.14 (14.2, 18.3) and higher in the rural population (20% vs. 10.3%); rheumatoid arthritis 0.34%, undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis 0.22%, spondyloarthritis 0.23%, osteoarthritis 4.39%, Gout 0.05%, chikungunya arthritis 1.2%. Non-specific arthralgias, soft tissue pains, and degenerative arthritis were dominant disorders; 12% of respondents reported inflammatory arthritis. Significant risk factors associated with MSK pain included female gender, poor literacy, non-vegetarian diet, chronic non-MSK illness, past trauma, and tobacco use. Limitations included non-random selection, clinical diagnosis, and limited investigations. However, in comparison to GBD, the COPCORD outcome seemed all-inclusive and clinically meaningful. The high prevalence of MSK pain and arthritis indicates a huge disease burden in India and prioritizes the need for a national control program.

Population Characteristics of Shirdi Tourism Place : A Geographical Analysis

This research paper relies on secondary data and the said data is taken from Indian Census. The main objective is to study the population characteristics of Shirdi tourist center. Although natural, social, economic and political factors affect population growth, tourism is one factor. Because Shirdi is an international tourist center and because of this tourist center many businesses have been created in this area and many people are engaged in various businesses. Due to this, various people are attracted here and the population is increasing here. Therefore, it is important to study the demographic characteristics of Shirdi tourist center from this perspective the said study has been done.

Epidemiology of Cancer Incidence Estimates and Statistics 2000–2025: Analysis from National Cancer Registry Programme in India

Abstract Introduction Several hospital-based and population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) have been collecting cancer data systematically since 1982, according to the National Cancer Registry Programme-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, an initiative of the Indian Council of Medical Research. Objective Planning, observing, and assessing cancer control efforts require knowledge of current cancer statistics. This article's goal is to provide an update on cancer incidence projections for India by age groups, sex, and anatomical sites for the period 2020 to 2025. Materials and Methods The cancer incidence, patterns, trends, projections, and mortality from 28 PBCRs were analyzed in this study, along with the kind of therapy and stage of presentation of cancer patients from 58 HBCRs (N = 667,666) from the pooled analysis for the composite period 2012 to 2016. Data regarding the population at risk were obtained from the Indian Census (2001 and 2011) to estimate the age- and sex-stratified population. To gain a better understanding of the epidemiology of cancer, the states and areas of the nation were divided into PBCR groups. Result For both males and females, the districts with the highest age-adjusted incidence rates were Aizawl (269.4) and Papum Pare (219.8). It is anticipated that there will be 1392,179 cancer patients in India by 2020 and 1569,793 by 2025. In Delhi, the northern region of India, the incidence rates of tobacco-related malignancies were high (62.1% for men and 18.5% for women). High incidence rates were seen in the southern districts of Kollam (males: 52.9) and Bangalore (20.1), respectively. Age-adjusted rates (AARs) for males and females in Kolkata, East, were 42.3 and 13.7, respectively. Western cities with high AARs were Mumbai (18.2) and Ahmedabad Urban (54.3) for men and women, respectively. For lung cancer, in terms of male and female incidence rates, Aizawl district ranked highest at 38.8 and 37.9 per 100,000, respectively. Conclusion This study offers a methodology for evaluating cancer trends and status in India. To meet the national targets for noncommunicable diseases and the sustainable development goals, it will direct adequate support for action to boost efforts to promote cancer prevention and control.

Patriarchy, Fertility and Excess Female Child Mortality in India

Research investigating association between patriarchy and demographic behavior is limited in India. The only study on this subject utilized 1981 Indian Census data to examine associations between patriarchy and fertility. We examined the association of patriarchy, measured using India Patriarchy Index (IPI), with total fertility rate (TFR) and excess female child mortality in India. Additionally, we examined independent associations of the 5 dimensions included in the IPI with the two outcomes. We used univariate and bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Autocorrelation, multivariable ordinary least squares and spatial error- regressions to examine the associations. Spatial heterogeneity beyond the north–south divide was evident in the spatial association of IPI with TFR and excess female child mortality. Results show positive association of IPI with TFR and excess female child mortality. While son preference and socio-economic domination were positively associated with TFR, domination of men over women and son preference were positively associated with excess female child mortality. This study is the first of its kind to examine the association of a novel measure of patriarchy with TFR and excess female child mortality. As patriarchy is deep-rooted in Indian society, a great deal of effort is needed to shift these traditionally held social norms and practices.

Caste, local governance effectiveness, and multidimensional poverty in rural India: some evidences.

This study explores the relationships between local governance effectiveness, population densities of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), and rural multidimensional poverty in India, using data from the 2011 Indian Census, 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2020 Mission Antyodaya, and 2019/21 National Family and Health Survey (NFHS). The research examines how SC/ST population densities and local governance effectiveness are associated with the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) across Indian states through regression and correlation analysis. The study's findings reveal a national, rural MPI of 0.110, with 26% of the rural population experiencing multidimensional poverty. The study's results also show that a statistically significant negative correlation exists between rural MPI and local governance effectiveness, with a 0.32% reduction in MPI for every 1% improvement in governance effectiveness. Conversely, higher SC and ST population densities are associated with increased MPI, with a 0.14% rise in MPI for each 1% increase in these densities. The study also highlights that ST population density has a stronger association with MPI than SC population density, indicating greater vulnerability to multidimensional poverty in areas with higher ST populations. Overall, the study underscores the importance of effective local governance in reducing rural poverty and suggests targeted efforts in areas with high SC and ST densities, particularly ST, to alleviate poverty. It also emphasizes the need for up-to-date data to understand and address rural poverty comprehensively.

Sex-Selective Abortions and Fatal Neglect of Young Girls

A significant portion of female neonatal, infant and child mortality could be avoided. These girls form part of the phenomenon known as missing women. Previous literature has examined whether families that prevent unwanted (female) pregnancies from reaching term provide greater care to the surviving daughters, but it reports mixed results. An avenue that has received limited attention is the possibility that explicit discrimination against girls legitimates otherwise non-realized behaviors, leading to additional fatal neglect. This paper contributes to the literature, going a step further in the causal identification of aggregate prenatal discrimination effects on postnatal discrimination by comparing the survival outcomes of brothers and sisters who were exposed to different levels of prenatal discrimination around the time of their births. The sample of siblings is reconstructed from the birth history of women in the Indian National Family Health Survey (2016–2017). Prenatal discrimination is measured by the male to female sex ratio at birth (SRB), computed by backward induction from the Census of India (2011). Results show that the greater the difference between the SRB in the birthyears of sisters and the SRB in the birthyears of brothers, the greater the difference in mortality between sisters and brothers. This finding lends support to the idea that prenatal discrimination legitimized otherwise latent discrimination. Furthermore, the excess female mortality associated with this mechanism is found in rural areas, but not in urban ones, and this relationship is more intense for infant girls born in high parities and therefore more likely to belong to families that did not resort to sex-selective abortions to control family sex-composition. This paper contributes to the problematization of the intertwining dimensions of discrimination, providing a better understanding of the missing women phenomenon.

A REGIONAL AND TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF VARIATIONS IN URBAN POVERTY IN INDIA

Urban poverty in India has been consistently declining over the past five decades due to economic reforms, industrialization, and various government initiatives. This study analyzes the spatial and temporal variations in urban poverty across different states and time periods. The research is based on secondary data from the Census of India, NSSO, NITI Aayog, and RBI reports, employing descriptive, analytical, and comparative research methods. Findings indicate significant disparities among states, with Bihar (31.23%) and Manipur (32.59%) having the highest urban poverty rates, whereas Goa (4.09%) and Himachal Pradesh (4.33%) recorded the lowest. Over time, urban poverty decreased from 49.01% in 1970-71 to 13.7% in 2022-23. Key contributing factors include the Green Revolution, economic liberalization, expansion of the IT sector, and targeted welfare schemes such as PMAY, NULM, and Digital India. Despite fluctuations, particularly in 2010-11, government interventions like Aadhaar-linked subsidies and direct benefit transfers have effectively reduced poverty levels. However, challenges persist due to rising urban migration and socio-economic inequalities. The study underscores the need for inclusive policies, employment generation, and better urban infrastructure to further alleviate urban poverty and ensure sustainable development.

Educational Status of Scheduled Caste Children in Jammu and Kashmir: An Exploratory Study

Abstract: Indian culture is highly stratified due to its linguistic diversity, religious affiliations, caste system, and regional loyalties. Among the most economically deprived and marginalized groups in India are the Scheduled Castes (SCs), who continue to face significant social and educational disadvantages. Representing 16.6% of the country's total population (Census of India, 2011); the Scheduled Castes remain one of the most disadvantaged segments of Indian society. A substantial portion of this population is illiterate and unaware of the importance of education, which exacerbates their marginalization. Scheduled Caste children encounter numerous challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, a poor social environment, and a lack of public awareness. Although the Indian government has introduced various initiatives to improve their educational status, such as scholarships, educational facilities, financial aid, skill development programs, and special courts to address violence and atrocities, many SC individuals remain unaware of these opportunities. This present paper examines the educational status of Scheduled Caste children in India, with a particular focus on Jammu and Kashmir. It aims to shed light on the barriers preventing SC students from pursuing both school and higher education. Additionally, it will explore the constitutional provisions designed to uplift the status of Scheduled Caste students and analyze their enrollment rates at various educational levels in Jammu and Kashmir. Through this examination, the paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by SC students and the efforts being made to improve their educational outcomes

BharatSim: An agent-based modelling framework for India.

BharatSim is an open-source agent-based modelling framework for the Indian population. It can simulate populations at multiple scales, from small communities to states. BharatSim uses a synthetic population created by applying statistical methods and machine learning algorithms to survey data from multiple sources, including the Census of India, the India Human Development Survey, the National Sample Survey, and the Gridded Population of the World. This synthetic population defines individual agents with multiple attributes, among them age, gender, home and work locations, pre-existing health conditions, and socio-economic and employment status. BharatSim's domain-specific language provides a framework for the simulation of diverse models. Its computational core, coded in Scala, supports simulations of a large number of individual agents, up to 50 million. Here, we describe the design and implementation of BharatSim, using it to address three questions motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic in India: (i) When can schools be safely reopened given specified levels of hybrid immunity?, (ii) How do new variants alter disease dynamics in the background of prior infections and vaccinations? and (iii) How can the effects of varied non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) be quantified for a model Indian city? Through its India-specific synthetic population, BharatSim allows disease modellers to address questions unique to this country. It should also find use in the computational social sciences, potentially providing new insights into emergent patterns in social behaviour.

Rightless Migration in India: A Study of Inefficiency and Sufferings Sprouting in the Agricultural Fields of Bihar

The state of Bihar, an agrarian economy, is currently representing a paradoxical situation in India as the development narrative of north and south Bihar displays a unique history of economic advancement. During the Covid-19 pandemic, spurt in migration and even reverse migration created a severe livelihood crisis for the unemployed people in Bihar. United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability can be successful in improving the lives of labourers if the socio-economic protection and workers’ rights are given due importance. The present study aims at explicating the reasons for unemployment, migration and poor economic conditions of labour in Bihar, a state in eastern part of India. Secondary data available from NSSO, Census of India and Economic survey of Bihar have been analysed for this research. The study is based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis and descriptive methods to understand the various socio-economic facets of migration. Absence of uniform labour standards in the unorganised sector related to migrant labourers is the major issue which needs to be immediately and adequately addressed by the Government of India and the state government of Bihar.