The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Census of India is a decennial exercise conducted under the provisions of the
Census Act, 1948. It is organized by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Census collects data on various demographic parameters, including religion and social groups (SC/ST).
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Census follows the principle of self-declaration for religion. Enumerators are instructed to record the religion of each person exactly as returned by the respondent. If a person names a religion or sect that is not listed in the pre-defined codes, the enumerator must record the name in full.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: There is a provision to record 'No Religion'. If a respondent states that they have no religion or are an atheist, the enumerator records it as such. In the 2011 Census, a specific category for 'No Religion' was compiled under the broader head of 'Other Religions and Persuasions'.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Since independence, the Census of India has enumerated Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) separately. However, it does not enumerate Other Backward Classes (OBCs) or other caste groups separately. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 was a distinct exercise from the regular decennial Census.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The Census of India records religion based on self-declaration (including 'No Religion') and restricts caste-based enumeration strictly to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; it does not count OBCs.