From 50 Years Ago:1961 Census Schedule

The Indian Census had in the past been compared to the mythical phoenix which arises with renewed vigour from its ashes. There is no continuing Census Organisation in India and the Census Commissioners were appointed about eighteen months be-fore the actual day of the Census. During these eighteen months they had to race against time. They had not only to design the schedules but issue all instructions for the conduct of the Census. This gave little time for intensive study, collaboration, test on the field, etc... Fortunately the preparation for the 1961 Census started in July, 1958 with the appoint-ment of the Census Commissioner. This early start made it possible to formulate the ques-tionnaire after consultations and discussions with the ministries of Central Government, Planning Commission, the Statistical Organi-sations, expert bodies and other agencies in the field of population and also to carry out tests on the field before the final schedule was prepared for approval of the Government.