Vice President becomes the second person enumerated for 2011 Census

New Delhi, Apr 1 (ANI): After President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari became the second person to be enumerated for the 2011 National Population Register on Thursday, one the largest census exercises carried out ever.

After being listed by the census, Ansari expressed his confidence in completing the exercise on time.

"Today we have initiated the exercise of Census 2011. But what is unique about this exercise is that not only is the census on traditional lines being undertaken, but a qualitatively different dimension is being added to it through the National Population Register. This is a unique initiative. Probably, there are not many countries in world who have done this. We are confident, we will be able to complete it and complete it on time," said Ansari.

The 2011 Census of India will be the fifteenth census in the country and the seventh after independence. The first census in India was held in 1872.

The 2011 Census will see the engagement of 2.5 million enumerators, who will ensure that every single citizen is counted. The estimated cost of the Census is 22 billion rupees. The mammoth exercise will be undertaken in two phases.

The first phase, called the House Listing and Housing Census, will be conducted between April and July this year. The second phase, called the Population Enumeration, will be conducted simultaneously all over the country from February 9-28, 2011.

Meanwhile, enumerators will also for the first time collect information like ownership of mobile phones, computers, internet, having access to treated or untreated drinking water facilities, and will also obtain fingerprints and photographs, which would help the government formulate plans and strengthen the country's security.

However, the exercise has many challenges, which include coverage of a vast geographical area, widespread illiteracy, and diverse cultures and languages. (ANI)]