Which of the following criteria is NOT correct as per the definition of urban settlement given by the Census of India in 1991?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → At least 50 per cent of male workers are engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.
Option (1) Place having minimum population of 5000. — Correct as per the definition.
Option (2) At least 50 per cent of male workers are engaged in non-agricultural pursuits. — Not correct as per the definition. The definition asks for at least 75 per cent, not 50 per cent.
Option (3) Place having a density of population of at least 400 persons per square kilometer. — Correct as per the definition.
Option (4) All places which have a municipality, corporation, cantonment board or Notified town area committee. — Correct as per the definition.
NCERT (2026-27): “Urban Settlements … Unlike rural settlements, urban settlements are generally compact and larger in size. They are engaged in a variety of non-agricultural, economic and administrative functions.” “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.” |