NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 8: Local Governments

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According to the 2011 Census, approximately what %age of India's population lives in urban areas?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A0.41
B0.21
C0.51
D0.31

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 0.31.

Explanation

The Census of India classifies habitation into rural and urban areas based on specific administrative and demographic criteria. The percentage of the population residing in urban areas reflects the extent of urbanization, which necessitates the establishment of Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities) under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.

Data Analysis:

According to the Census of India, 2011, the total urban population was recorded at approximately 377.1 million.
This accounts for 31.16% of the country's total population.
The rural population constituted 68.84%.
This represented an increase in urbanization from 27.81% recorded in the 2001 Census.
Among the states, Goa was the most urbanized (62.17%), while Himachal Pradesh was the least urbanized (10.03%).

Key Takeaway:
As per the 2011 Census, approximately 31.16% (rounded to 31%) of India's population lives in urban areas.

Your note

More from Chapter 8: Local Governments

Who advocated the vision that "Independence must begin at the bottom" with every village as a republic?

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Which statement characterizes the status of local bodies before the 73rd Amendment?

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With reference to the three-tier structure introduced by the 73rd Amendment, consider the following statements: 1. The Gram Panchayat covers a village or a group of villages. 2. The intermediary level body is mandatory for all states regardless of size. 3. The Zilla Panchayat covers the entire rural area of the district. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Who constitutes the "Gram Sabha" under the 73rd Amendment?

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Consider the following statements regarding the tenure and dissolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): 1. The standard term for every Panchayat body is five years. 2. If a State government dissolves a Panchayat, fresh elections must be held within one year. 3. The amendment ensures that elected local bodies cannot be dissolved under any circumstance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is 0.31.

Explanation

Data Analysis:

According to the Census of India, 2011, the total urban population was recorded at approximately 377.1 million.
This accounts for 31.16% of the country's total population.
The rural population constituted 68.84%.
This represented an increase in urbanization from 27.81% recorded in the 2001 Census.
Among the states, Goa was the most urbanized (62.17%), while Himachal Pradesh was the least urbanized (10.03%).

Key Takeaway:
As per the 2011 Census, approximately 31.16% (rounded to 31%) of India's population lives in urban areas.