Identify the definition of urban settlements, according to Census of India, 1991:
A. All places which have municipality, corporation, cantonment boards or notified town area committee
B. All settlements with more than 5000 persons are urban towns
C. At least 75 per cent of male workers are engaged in non-agricultural activities
D. Density of population is at least 400 persons per square kilometer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A, C and D only
The Census of India, 1991 calls a place urban only when it meets all the conditions together: an urban local body, at least 5000 people, at least 75 per cent of male workers in non-agricultural work and a density of at least 400 persons per sq km.
(A) All places which have municipality, corporation, cantonment boards or notified town area committee — Correct. Such an urban local body is part of the definition.
(B) All settlements with more than 5000 persons are urban towns — Incorrect. A population of 5000 is only the minimum. A settlement of 5000 people is not urban unless it also meets the other conditions.
(C) At least 75 per cent of male workers are engaged in non-agricultural activities — Correct. This condition is part of the definition: at least 75 per cent of male workers must be in non-agricultural work.
(D) Density of population is at least 400 persons per square kilometer — Correct. This condition is part of the definition: a density of at least 400 persons per square kilometer.
NCERT (2026-27): “The census of India, 1991 defines urban settlements as “All places which have municipality, corporation, cantonment board or notified town area committee and have a minimum population of 5000 persons, at least 75 per cent of male workers are engaged in non-agriculture pursuits and a density of population of at least 400 persons per square kilometer are urban.”” |