In 2011, a new definition of census town has been developed. This urban classification of ‘census towns’ helps differentiate between India’s small farming communities and the larger market town-type settlements that are experiencing rapid and haphazard growth.
To be classified as a census town, a village must fulfil three criteria;
- it needs at least 5,000 inhabitants,
- a density of 400 people per sq. km, and
- at least three-quarters of its male working population must be “engaged in non-agricultural pursuits”.
| Statutory towns | Census town |
| All places with a municipality, corporation, cantonment board notified town area committee, etc. These towns are notified under the law by the concerned State/UT Government and have local bodies like municipal corporations, municipalities, municipal committees, etc., irrespective of their demographic characteristics as reckoned on 31st December 2009. Examples: Vadodara (Municipal Corp.), Shimla (Municipal Corp.), etc. | All other places which satisfied the following criteria: A minimum population of 5,000; At least 75 percent of the male main working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits; and A density of population of at least 400 persons per sq. km. |
Process of Urbanization
- Urbanization as a structural process of change is generally related to industrialization but it is not always the result of industrialization. Urbanization results due to the concentration of large-scale and small-scale industrial, commercial, financial, and administrative set up in the cities; technological development in transport and communication, and cultural and recreational activities.
- The excess of urbanization over industrialization that makes it possible to employ all persons coming to urban areas is what sometimes leads to over-urbanization.
- In India, a peculiar phenomenon is seen: industrial growth without a significant shift of population from agriculture to industry and growth of urban population without a significant rise in the ratio of the urban to the total population.
- While in terms of ratio, there may not be a great shift from rural to urban activities, there is still a large migration of the population from rural areas to urban areas. This makes urban areas choked; while at the same time, there is a lack of infrastructural facilities to cope with this rising population.
In the context of India, the process of urbanization is seen as a socio-cultural process, an economic process, and a geographical process.
| Socio-cultural phenomenon, | It is a “melting pot” of people with diverse ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. E.g. Kolkata |
| Economic process, | The city is a focal point of productive activities. It exists and grows on the strength of the economic activities existing within itself. E.g. Mumbai |
| Geographical process, | It deals with migration or change of location of residence of people and involves the movement of people from one place to another. |
The process of urbanization has thus been associated with important economic and social transformations, which have brought greater geographic mobility, lower fertility, longer life expectancy, and population aging.
FAQs
1. What is a Census Town?
- A Census Town is a type of administrative division in some countries, particularly in India, which meets specific criteria set by the census authorities for urban classification based on population size, density, and other urban characteristics.
2. How are Census Towns different from Municipalities or Urban Areas?
- Census Towns are distinct from Municipalities or Urban Areas in that they lack local self-government institutions like municipal corporations or councils. They are often considered as urban areas for census purposes due to their urban characteristics but do not have the administrative powers associated with municipalities.
3. What are the criteria for a locality to be designated as a Census Town?
- The criteria for a locality to be designated as a Census Town vary by country. In India, for instance, a Census Town must have a minimum population of 5,000, at least 75% of the male main working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits, and a population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometer.
4. How do Census Towns impact urban planning and development?
- Census Towns play a crucial role in urban planning and development as they represent areas with urban characteristics but often lack the infrastructure and amenities associated with municipalities. Understanding the growth patterns and demographic trends in Census Towns helps policymakers allocate resources efficiently for improving infrastructure, housing, and services in these areas.
5. Are there any challenges associated with Census Towns?
- Yes, several challenges come with Census Towns, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient provision of basic services like water supply and sanitation, and limited economic opportunities. Additionally, the ambiguous administrative status of Census Towns can sometimes lead to governance and developmental issues, requiring policymakers to address these challenges effectively.
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