Which of the following was NOT adopted by Census of India in 1991 to define urban settlements?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → At least 75% of population should be engaged in non-agricultural activities.
Option (1) At least 75% of population should be engaged in non-agricultural activities. — Not adopted (Correct). The 1991 definition counts at least 75 per cent of male workers engaged in non-agricultural pursuits, not 75 per cent of the whole population. NTA gave the 1991 town rule a quiet makeover, putting ‘population’ where the definition says ‘male workers’, and a true line turned false. Read every word of a definition before you tick it.
Option (2) A minimum population of 5000 persons. — Adopted (Incorrect). An urban place must have a minimum population of 5,000 persons.
Option (3) The population density should be at least 400 persons per square kilometer. — Adopted (Incorrect). A density of at least 400 persons per sq km is part of the definition.
Option (4) All places which have municipality, corporation, cantonment board or notified town area. — Adopted (Incorrect). Places with such a local body (in full, a notified town area committee) are urban.
NCERT (2025-26): “Urban Settlements … 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.” |