Caste census begins in Panchkula

“As many as 350 enumerators have been appointed for conducting the survey work. Similarly,54 supervisors have also been appointed to assist the enumerators while 66 enumerators and supervisors have been kept in reserve. Each enumerator will have to cover four blocks with a time frame of 7-10 days for each block,” Brar said.

The survey,she said,will be completed in the district by December 25,2011.

The survey is being conducted to collect the data relating to the caste and economic condition of the people living in both the rural and urban areas of the district.

“This exercise is of national importance and Government of India intends that a comprehensive data base of each individual should be prepared along with all relevant details so that various welfare policies can be framed and implemented in an effective manner,” said the DC.

Brar also distributed “tablet PCs” to the enumerators and data entry operators while launching the survey.

“It is for the first time that the enumerators are required to use the least paper work as they have been provided with the facility of “tablet PCs” for data storage. To assist the enumerators in the storage of information an expert data entry operator have also been engaged with each enumerator,” she added.

In rural areas,an individual has to furnish information regarding the housing,household members,employment and income characteristics,assets and land owned in addition to the basic information. And in urban area,he would have to provide information like household particulars,amenities,assets and other basic information.

“Apart from this,an additional column of Chronic Illness has been inserted in the questionnaire for urban areas this time,making both the questionnaires distinct,” said the DC.