1981 Census of India

The 1981 Census of India, conducted over a period from February 5 to March 5, 1981, was the fifth national census since independence in 1947 and the 14th in the series of Indian censuses since 1871. Administered by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, this census aimed to collect comprehensive demographic data across the country, including information on population size, literacy rates, occupational distribution, and housing conditions. The 1981 Census recorded a total population of approximately 683 million, reflecting a growth rate of 24.8% since the previous census in 1971. It also highlighted significant disparities in regional development and socioeconomic conditions, influencing subsequent government policies and development programs. The findings from the census were pivotal for academic research, policy-making, and the planning of public services throughout India.