Census to take note of sex workers, third gender''

Mumbai, Feb 7 (PTI) The ''third gender'' has made itsway to the census this year, as their numbers would be countedin the sex column as ''others''.

"In the new addition to the census form, the thirdgender would be counted as ''others'', besides male and femalegenders. Prostitution would be considered separate frombegging in the category of ''other'' occupation," MaharashtraDirector of Census, Ranjeetsing Deol said here today.

The state would conduct the census exercise fromFebruary 9 to 28 and a revision round in the first week ofMarch, he said.

The other new columns introduced in the census includethe date of birth of the person to find out the exact age.

Three more categories of physically challenged people havebeen included besides the earlier five.

The Government is trying its best to register everyperson, including beggars, patients in hospitals, peoplestaying in hostels and in military barracks, Deol said.

Some NGOs are helping the Government to registerbeggars. Foreigners staying in the country for over 21 dayswould also be counted, he added.

"The physically challenged people would have eightcategories which will help prepare a detailed report on theirstatus. The objective is to enable the Government to takemeasures for them," he said.

On counting those belonging to the other backwardclasses (OBCs), Deol said only after instructions from theCentre, would the census register the required information.

The Schedules Castes and Tribes would be recorded inthe census, he added. .