Question

Which of the following criteria is NOT correct as per the definition of urban settlement given by the Census of India in 1991?

• A. Place having minimum population of 5000.
• B. At Least 50 percent of male workers are engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.
• C. Place having a density of population of at least 400 person per square kilometer.
• D. All places which have a municipality, corporation, cantonment board or Notified town area committee.

Hint:

Remember the three key numbers for a Census Town: \textbf{5000} population, \textbf{400} density, and \textbf{75%} non-agricultural male workers. The 75% figure is a common point of confusion and is frequently tested.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Census of India defines an "urban settlement" in two ways. The first is a 'Statutory Town' (option 4). The second is a 'Census Town', which must satisfy three specific criteria simultaneously. This question tests the knowledge of those three criteria.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The definition of a Census Town, as per the 1991 Census (and subsequent censuses), requires a settlement to meet all three of the following conditions:
1. A minimum population of 5,000. (Option 1 is correct).
2. A population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometer. (Option 3 is correct).
3. At least 75 percent of the main male working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.
Option (2) states the requirement is "At Least 50 percent," which is incorrect. The actual threshold is 75%. Option (4) describes Statutory Towns, which is the other, separate definition of an urban area and is correct in its own right. The question asks which criterion is NOT correct for the definition.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The statement that at least 50 percent of male workers should be in non-agricultural pursuits is incorrect; the correct figure is 75 percent.