Sources of Population data in the World

• Demographic Sample Surveys

• Census
• Vital Statistics
• Population registers
• International publications like 1 ) United Nations Population
Division. World Population Prospects: 2019 Revision. ( 2 )
Census reports and other statistical publications from
national statistical offices, ( 3 ) Eurostat: Demographic
Statistics, ( 4 ) United Nations Statistical Division. Population
and Vital Statistics Report ( various years ), ( 5 ) U.S. Census
Bureau: International Database, and ( 6 ) Secretariat of the
Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.
Census
 What is a census and what kind of data is
collected?
• Census is an enumeration of people or items
in a particular country or area. This term is
most often used to define the number of
population. The word "census" comes from a
Latin verb 'censere', it means - 'to assess', or,
in terms of statistics, 'to estimate' (The
Encyclopedia Americana, 1951). The Measure
Evaluation document states that a population
census can be defined as:
• “The total process of collecting, compiling, and
publishing demographic, economic, and social
data pertaining to a specific time to all person
in a country or fixed or defined area part of a
country”. The Population and Housing
Censuses Handbook of the UN, 1992, defines
population census as a “process of collection,
reception, assessment, analysis, publication
and distribution of demographic, economic and
social data, which relate, at a given moment in
time, to all the residents of a country or of a
well-defined partial geographic area”.
In other words, the enumeration of the entire
population of a country or a region at a
particular time is known as census.
• Census is an expensive procedure that is taken
once every 10 years in most countries. In
some countries like Japan, Austria and
Canada, a census is held more frequently,
once every 5 years. During the non-census
years, the number of people living in the
country is estimated with the aid of reliable
statistics. For example, the population in 2018
equals the population at the 2017 year census
plus the births, minus the deaths, plus or
minus the net migration.
• When it comes to an understanding of the
social, economic, and demographic conditions
in the country, census data becomes very
useful. It can be used by planners to
understand the social, economic, and
demographic conditions.
• Census is an enumeration of people or items in a
particular country or area. This term is most often
used to define the number of population. The word
"census" comes from a Latin verb 'censere', it
means - 'to assess', or, in terms of statistics, 'to
estimate' (The Encyclopedia Americana, 1951). The
Measure Evaluation document states that a
population census can be defined as: “The total
process of collecting, compiling, and publishing
demographic, economic, and social data pertaining
to a specific time to all person in a country or fixed
or defined area part of a country”.
• The census is taken at regular intervals, usually
every 5-10 years. The census is an important
source of information. It provides a basis for the
official statistics of the country. The population
census provides the possibility to examine all the
population groups, and acquire information on
small geographic units (communities,
neighbourhoods). In most countries, people are
included in the list of population based on their
place of residence. The population census helps to
estimate the changes in the number of people
living in the country during a specific period of
time.
• The best countries to live in around the world
Census is still an insufficient method for
determining an accurate size and
characteristics of the population. This kind of
survey is only an agreed-upon method of
estimation, but it cannot give an exact figure
The types of data collected The Measure Evaluation
document states that the following types of data
are collected in the census:
• Basic characteristics such as age, marital status,
household size and composition, family
characteristics and other.
Economic characteristics including occupation,
position, employment-related industry, and
educational attributes such as school attendance,
educational achievements, and literacy.
• Geographic and migration information. Place of
birth, place of usual residence, its duration, prior
place of residence.
• In some countries, information on births and
deaths is also collected. Information on the
housing includes buildings, living quarters and
other facilities. The census reveals information
on the residential, commercial, or industrial
buildings. It includes the type of structure, the
construction materials, the year of
construction. The type of information that is
collected is related to the type and location
(rural or urban area) of the buildings, the
number of rooms, the number of occupants. It
also provides information on the types of
facilities such as water, toilet, sewerage,
bathing, cooking area, and lighting.
• Stages of conducting the census Planning and
preparation for data collection. This procedure is one of
the most complex undertakings. It requires meticulous
planning of all the details including methodological,
contents and technological, as well as the organizational
and administrative fields. Planning the execution and
prior preparation are of great importance as it should
include many tests and repeated trials. During the
preparation stage, the purpose and methodology of the
census are determined, the strategies are developed,
and goals are set. The methods and means are as
important as goals as census should be conducted in
accordance with the constitution and human rights Data
collection. During the second stage data on the census
population is collected. It requires a direct contact with
the residents.
• The indirect contact can also be made with the use of
information found in administrative resources. This stage
is the most labour intensive. It can take several months
to make a logistic preparation for this stage Producing
the results. The third and the last stage can take from 1
to a few years to process, estimate, analyse, publish and
distribute the census data. During the stage of producing
the results 3 activities are conducted simultaneously:
• preparing the final file (including correcting errors,
editing of the data, restoring the lost data and doing the
final calculations),
• producing the products used to publish and distribute
the findings of the census, and
• assessing the reliability of data obtained.
What are the types of population census?
• To explain the types of population census, one needs to
take into account the problem of the person’s presence
during the process of conducting this procedure. With
that in mind, there are 2 main types of census, namely:
De facto Population Census De jure Population Census
De facto population census involves the counting of only
those who are present physically when the census is
performed. Only people who are living within the
borders of the country or are seen by the census expert
are counted. poorest countries in the world De jure
population census involves the counting of only people
who have been permanent residents of a specific area,
but they were not necessarily present when the census
was performed.
• Characteristics of a good census It is
conducted by the govt of the country where it
is taking place. It is performed at the same
time throughout the whole country. It involves
regular counting at specific time intervals.
• It involves the physical counting of people. It
involves knowledgeable experts who are
specialized in population studies
• Census can collect information on: Individual
residents aged 0 to 100+ Households including
families and unrelated adults Workers Housing
and related facilities Now you know more
about the population census, its types, stages,
and, characteristics. The population census is
an important way of collecting information
about age, occupation, residence etc. of
people living in a particular country at a
specific time
 The Measure Evaluation document states that
the U.S., for example, lists 4 key features of a
census:
• Each person is counted separately;
• the characteristics of each person within the
household are recorded independently.
• The census is conducted on the precisely
defined territory. It also should include every
present or residing person.
• The housing census should include all the
types of buildings and living quarters. Each
individual and item is counted at the precisely
• For example, census of 1952-1953 conducted in
Nigeria was given as about 31 million people, in
1962-1963 gave a count of 55 million people,
and in 1973, it gave another account of 79
million people. In 2004, Nigeria’s population was
estimated 120 million people.
 Census Data
• A population census is a systematic recording of
information on all members of a population usually
residing in a country (de jure) or present at the time of
enumeration (de facto). The United Nations (UN)
recommends that censuses be conducted at least every
10 years, but countries vary greatly in the extent to
which they comply with this guidance. The UN has
provided a list of core aspects which the national
statistical offices are expected to include in the census
(United Nations, 2006): sex, age, marital status,
employment status, level of education, country of
birth, housing conditions, and household composition.
• Traditionally, censuses have been based on face-to-face
surveys. However, in the most recent census, several
countries (such as the Nordic countries, Germany, The
Netherlands, Slovenia, and Austria) have turned to
register-based censuses in which several registers (e.g.,
employment, housing, and population registers) are
combined. Such a census is sometimes referred to as
a virtual census. Most other countries conduct traditional
censuses in which the total population is interviewed
face-to-face. Nonetheless, in some of these countries
(e.g., Canada), the traditional census is a subject of
political debate. The US Bureau of the Census has
considered for decades how government records might
help the traditional census-taking process. The use of
these records raises concerns about personal privacy.
• Censuses are of considerable importance for
demographic research because they provide
‘official’ population counts for generating
demographic rates by age and sex at the
regional level.
Various sources of population data in India
• There are various sources from which population data is in
India
1) Census
2) Sample surveys like National Sample Surveys (NSS) and
Sample Registration System (SRS)
3) Vital Statistics-events such as births, deaths, marriages,
divorces, separations, annulment and adoption etc. are
known as vital statistics, like Civil Registration System
(CRS)
4) Health Surveys such as National Family Health Surveys
(NFHS) and District Level Household Surveys (DLHS)
 Sources of Population data
Census of India
• The Indian Census is the most credible source of information
on Demography (Population characteristics), Economic Activity,
Literacy and Education, Housing & Household Amenities,
Urbanization, Fertility and Mortality, Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes, Language, Religion, Migration, Disability and
many other socio-cultural and demographic data since 1872.
• Census 2021 will be the 16th National Census of the Country.
This is the only source of primary data in the village ,town and
ward level, It provides valuable information for planning and
formulation policies for Central and the State Governments
and is widely used by National and International Agencies,
Scholars, business people, industrialists, and many more.
History of Census-Taking in India: The first attempt to
obtain the size of population in India by actually
counting heads was made during 1867-1872. This
count was neither synchronous, nor did it cover the
whole country. It was, as the noted demographer
Kingsley Davis observed, just “an auspicious beginning”
of census taking in India. The next census, which was
synchronous, covered a wide area and was more
modern in nature, was under taken in 1881. Since then
on decadal basis, a new census has been taken in India.
The recent 2011 census represents the fourteenth
(2001) census of India, in this continuous serious.
• The Delimitation/reservation of Constituencies-
Parliamentary/Assembly/Panchayats and other
Local Bodies is also done on the basis of the
demographic data collected up by the Census.
• Census is the basis for reviewing the country's
progress in the past decade, monitoring the on
going Schemes of the Government and most
importantly , plan for the future. That is why
the Slogan is " Our Census - Our Future".
The word census derived from Latin word “censere” which
means “to assess” or “estimate”. Census is the single largest
source of population data and studies all over the world.
Various evidences show that even during ancient times in
different parts of the world the data or enumeration of
people were carried out. The purpose of earlier
enumeration were very limited either for tax collection or
military purposes..The modern census started in the 17 th
and 18th centuries in different parts of the world.

Census taking is a very complex and extensive task and is,

therefore, usually conducted by governments. In many
countries, provision for census taking is made by law. While
such a law makes the co-operation of each citizen
mandatory, it also ensure that confidential nature of census
information provided by individuals shall be preserved.
In India, Census taking has been the responsibility of the
Government from the very beginning. Even today, population
census is a Union subject, with the Ministry of Home Affairs in
charge. A senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service, with
experience in the conduct of census operations, is generally
appointed as Census Commissioner. There are thousands of
enumerators, with a hierarchy of officers at various levels in
between. For each State and Union Territory, an officer,
designated as the Director of Census Operations, is appointed.
Taking into consideration the magnitude of the task, the entire
administrative machinery of the State and local self-government
is placed at the disposal of the Director of Census Operations. In
rural areas, primary school teachers, village “patvaris” and other
staff in local offices are generally appointed as census
enumerators.
The enumerator is the basic and the most important link
in census operations. He has to visit every household
within the area assigned to him and collected the
required information. According to the Indian census
Act of 1948, the Central Government is empowered to
notify and conduct a census in the whole country or any
part of it. It authorizes census enumerators to ask the
prescribed census question and legally compel all
persons to answer these questions truthfully. The Act
also guarantees that the information collected at any
census from individuals shall be kept confidential, shall
be used only for statistical purposes and shall not be
used as evidence even in court of law.
 Features of Census
• The census is usually conducted after an interval of 10
years
• The census covers the entire country
• The census operations are time bound and are
completed within specified dates
• The census are organised and conducted by government
through the Census Commission of the country
• A household or family is treated as a unit. Migrant
workers and homeless persons are also enumerated at
night at their places of rest or sleep
• The Census Commission conducts preliminary steps such as
preparation of schedules, structural modalities, list of
areas/regions and households and training of enumerators
etc
• News additions or omissions need to finalized in census
forms
• Enumeration conducted manually by house to house data
collection by enumerators
• The filled up census schedules are collected, examined,
analyses and statistically by Census Commission
• The census data is published for circulation in public domain
• The census collects information relating to age, sex,
household size, social and cultural indicators like caste,
religion, language, education etc, income and occupation
structure of the family etc from people residing in the
country.
Quality of Census Data

On all India basis, one question – “Any child born alive

during last one year” was canvassed to currently married
women in 1971 census for the first time. The data on
fertility from 1971 single question was not satisfactory
and it has not been used to estimate fertility level. In view
of this, two additional questions have been canvassed
since 1981. Following questions are regularly canvassed:

• Any child born alive during last one year (to currently
married women only)
• Total number of children ever born alive
• Number of children born alive are still surviving at the
time of enumeration
Last two questions are asked to ever-married women
and in combination they are used to estimate mortality
indicators. First question provides base for calculating
all the fertility indicators.
There are several limitations of the census data. They
suffer mainly from two types of error coverage and
content error. Differential coverage of the population
by age and sex is also very often present and its effect
cannot always be separated from those of age
misstatement. It is experienced that the Indian
censuses suffer from gross age misreporting. Looking
at the single year age distributions, strong preference
for ages ending in digit 0 and 5 has been found. For
measurement of errors in age data, Whipple’s index of
concentration and Myer’s blended sum may be used.
The Whipple’s index computed from them falls usually in the
neighborhood of 300 and the Myer’s index is typically around 50
and these indicate a rough quality of data. Although grouping of
ages in quinquennial ( relating to a period of five years). interval
reduces considerably the errors from digital preference, its
effects can still be seen at higher intervals in the form of
concentration of persons in intervals that include an age ending
in zero (Bhat 1995). Although some specific questions on fertility
and mortality have been asked on a sample basis for certain
states in every census since 1911, analysis of the data is hindered
by poor quality, incomplete national coverage and irregular
tabular categories. Another source of error in reported age
distributions is age misreporting. Since age is not an important
concept for most Indians, the recorded age distributions from
Indian censuses suffer from considerable distortions.
The ignorance of one’s own true age results in a tendency
to guess an age that ends in a common or desirable digit.
In estimating the trends and levels of fertility and
mortality from census data under enumeration is a serious
problem. There is no direct question on deaths in Indian
census. It may also be added that fertility and mortality
estimates which are derived from children ever born
children surviving (CEB-CS) data does not give the current
mortality and fertility scenario but gives the scenario prior
to the census. Census data are available every ten year.
So, it is unable to give the demographic estimates for the
period between two censuses or period after the census.
Census of India
Objectives • Exhaustive survey of population and housing

Dates  Started in 1871-72

 Last census: 1 March 2011
 Frequency: decennial (no interruption), usually conducted in
March

Organization  Office of Registrar General of India, Delhi and regional offices

and  Enumeration conducted by temporary employees (including
management local officials)

Sampling  Operations: house numbering, house listing, population

enumeration (Census), post-enumeration survey
 Conducted at individual, household (and village) level.
 Exhaustive
Publication  Data now published at village/tehsil/district/town/ state /
scale national level
 Volume: more than one thousand volumes published every
ten years (from district to country level)
 Census newsletter (PDF)
Publication
 Paper format: volumes of the Census of India (tables,
analysis, special analyses)
 Old census volumes on microfiches (from 1871 to 1971)
 Electronic format: many tables on CD, some tables and
reports on web
 Raw data: not available
Topics  Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics (individual
covered level)
 Housing amenities, household goods (household level)
 Infrastructure and land use data from other sources (village
level)
Web
resources
 [Link] (new reorganized website with
tables, maps, publication list, some reports-including old ones-,
etc.)
 [Link]
[Link] (for customized mapping)
 [Link]
version of first colonial census volumes 1871-1901)
 Some ancient volumes/chapters also available from the Census
website and from [Link]
Other sites  More and more states have now their own Census websites.
 Check on google for "Census + Andhra Pradesh", Himachal,
Kerala, Orissa, Gujarat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu etc.
Assessment  Indispensable as the only exhaustive source on Indian
population.
 Most economic, social and demographic characteristics are
covered
Limitations  No raw sample data available
 Limited village data available
 Publication delays vary from one month to ten
years
New • Tables immediately available from the web
features • Census maps from the web
• Detailed administrative atlas (showing boundary
changes)
• Permanent location number
• La Trobe University has already scanned reports
from 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 censuses
The Indian Census is the most credible source of information on
Demography (Population characteristics), Economic Activity, Literacy and
Education, Housing & Household Amenities, Urbanization, Fertility and
Mortality, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Language, Religion,
Migration, Disability and many other socio-cultural and demographic
data since 1872. Census 2011 which is the 15th National Census of the
Country. This is the only source of primary data in the village ,town and
ward level, It provides valuable information for planning and formulation
policies for Central and the State Governments and is widely used by
National and International Agencies, Scholars, business people,
industrialists, and many more.

The Delimitation/reservation of Constituencies-

Parliamentary/Assembly/Panchayats and other Local Bodies is also done
on the basis of the demographic data thrown up by the Census. Census is
the basis for reviewing the country's progress in the past decade,
monitoring the on going Schemes of the Government and most
importantly , plan for the future. That is why the Slogan is " Our Census -
Our Future".
The earliest literature 'Rig-Veda' reveals that some kind of
population count was maintained in during 800-600 BC in India. The
celebrated 'Arthashastr' by 'Kautilya' written in the 3rd Century BC
prescribed the collection of population statistics as a measure of
state policy for taxation. It contained a detailed description of
methods of conducting population, economic and agricultural
censuses. During the regime of the Mughal king Akbar, the
administrative report 'Ain-e-Akbari' included comprehensive data
pertaining to population, industry, wealth and many other
characteristics.
A systematic and modern population census, in its present form
was conducted non synchronously between 1865 and 1872 in
different parts of the country. This effort culminating in 1872 has
been popularly labeled as the first population census of India
However, the first synchronous census in India was held in 1881.
Since then, censuses have been undertaken uninterruptedly once
every ten year. (source- census of India)
 The Census of India 2001 was the fourteenth census in the
continuous series as reckoned from1872 and the sixth since
independence. The gigantic task of census taking was completed
in two phases. In the first phase, known as House -listing
Operations, all building and structures, residential, partly
residential or non- residential were identified and listed and the
uses to which they were put recorded. Information on houses,
household amenities and assets were also collected. In the second
phase, known as Population Enumeration, more detailed
information on each individual residing in the country, Indian
national or otherwise, during the enumeration period was
collected.
At the Census 2001, more than 2 million (or 20 lakh)
enumerators were deployed to collect the information by visiting
every household. The Indian Census is one of the largest
administrative exercises undertaken in the world.
 House listing Operations
Use of the census houses
Condition of census houses used as residence
Predominant material of the roof, wall and floor or the census houses
Type of structure of census houses
Number of dwelling rooms
Ownership status of the house
Number of married couples and whether they have independent sleeping rooms
Source of drinking water (e.g., Tap; Hand pump; Tube well; Well; Tank; Pond River;
canal; Spring; Other) and its location
Source of lighting ( e.g., Electricity; kerosene; Solar energy; Other oil, Any other; No
lighting)
Availability of bathroom, type of latrine and type of drainage for waste water
Availability of separate kitchen and type of fuel used for cooing (e.g., Firewood;
Crop residue;
Cow dung cake; Coal, Lignite, Charcoal; kerosene; LPG; Electricity; Biogas; Other)
Availing of banking services and availability of the specified assets (e.g., Radio,
Transistor;
Television; Bicycle; Motor Cycle, Moped; Car, Jeep, Van; None of these
Population Enumeration
For each member of the household :

Relation to head of the household

Sex
Age at last birth day
Current marital status
Age at marriage
Religion
Name of Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe
Mother tongue
Other languages Known
Highest educational level attained
If attending educational institution
• Disability status
• Worker / non –worker
• Main Worker / Marginal Worker
• Economic activity of the main or marginal worker
• Non –economic activity of Marginal worker and non –worker
• Marginal worker or non-worker – seeking / available for work
• Distance and mode of travel to place of work
• Place of Birth
• Place of last residence
• Duration of residence at place of enumeration
• Reason for migration
• For ever married women
1. Number of children ever born
2. Number of children surviving
• For currently married women
1. Births during previous year
• For the cultivation households
1. Area of land cultivated
2. Tenancy status
• Census is dynamic in nature where it provides the trends in
population characteristics and static in terms of providing
instantaneous photographic picture of community, region of
country as a whole which valid at a particular moment of time
( every 10 year)
• The census data is collected by visiting each and every
household and collecting particulars by asking questions and
filling the questionnaire.
• The information collected through census is confidential which
cannot be even accessible to the court of law
• The data collected is processed in 15 centres located in cities
across the country.
• The technology used since 2001 is Intelligent Character
Recognition Software (ICR) for data tabulation along with
scanning of census forms at high speed and extracting the data
automatically using computer software
 Some facts of 2011 census
• The census was conducted in two phases-
A) House listing – it began on 1st April 2010. It
involved collection of information about all
buildings
B) Population enumeration- 9th- 28th February
2011 for population enumeration
• Census 2011 marks the first time collection of
biometric information was collected.
• The National census survey covered all the 28 states
of the country and including 640 districts, 497 cities,
5676 tehsils and over 6 lakh villages
• A total of 2.7 million officials visited households in
7,933 towns and 6 lakh villages.
• The cost of the census is appox 2200 crores
• Census data collected in 16 languages and training
manual was published in 16 languages
 House listing schedule contained 35 questions like-

• Building number
• Census house number
• Name of the head of the house
• Sex of head of the family
• Total number of persons in the household
• Condition of the census house
• Predominant material of floor, wall and roof of the census
house
• Ownership status of the house
• Availability of kitchen
• Waste water outlet connection
• Bathing facility within the house
• Fuel used for cooking etc
• Availability of drinking water source
• Number of dwelling rooms
• Number of married couples in the household
• Availing banking services
• Bicycle
• Scooter/Motor cycle/ Moped
• Car/ jeep/ van
• Latrine within the premises
• Television
• Radio/ transistor
 Population enumeration contained 30
questions like-
• Name of the person
• Relationship with head of the family
• Current marital status
• Age of marriage
• Religion
• Mother tongue
• Other known language
• Disability
• Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled tribe
• Place of last residence
• Reason for migration etc
• Literacy status
• Status of attendance (education)
• Highest educational level attained
• Category of economic activity
• Trade or service
• Non economic activity
• Children surviving
• Children ever born
• etc
 Few data facts of census 2011
Cost USD 445 million
Cost per person USD 0.37
Number of census functionaries 2.7 million
Number of languages in which 16
schedules were canvassed
Number of languages in which 16
training manuals prepared
Number of schedule printed 340 million
Number of training manual 5.4 million
printed
Paper utilized 8000 million tons

Material transported 10500 million tons

 NSS (National Sample Survey)
• The National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) was
established in the year 1950 by the government of India to fill
up the data gaps for socio-economic, health and morbidity
data on a sample basis owing to the fact that, collecting
information from each and every individual requires
enormous resources. NSS are conducted in the form of
various rounds having period from 6 months to one year for
each round. It provides estimates of literacy, school
enrolment, utilization of educational services, general
morbidity, maternity and child care and utilization of medical
services. It also conducts survey to estimate the total number
of physically disabled persons in the country and utilization of
the public distribution system. The main aim of the
organization is to make use of data for policy making and plan
formulation. It does not provide information on vital statistics.
• The National Sample Survey Organization or NSSO,
now National Sample Survey Office is an
organization in the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation of the Government of
India. It is the largest organization in India conducting
regular socio-economic surveys. It is established in
1950.
It has four divisions.
• Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD)
• Field Operations Division (FOD)
• Data Processing Division (DPD)
• Co-ordination and Publication Division (CPD)
 A BRIEF INTRODUCTION ON NATIONAL SAMPLE SURVEY

• A nation wide sample survey called the National sample

survey(N.S.S) was started by the Government of India in the
Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, in 1950 to
collect statistical sampling comprehensive socioeconomic data
relating to different sector of the economy of the country. The
absence of reliable and adequate statistics relating to production,
consumption and other aspects of socio-economic life in India
had been felt for a long time and more particularly during the 1st
Five year plan period. The non coverage of household sector in
India through a large scale sample survey had increased the
demand for socio economic statistics relating to structure and
dynamic of the Governments economy.
Besides it had become necessary to improve the coverage and
accuracy of the data on items such as manpower potentialities,
national and state income, agricultural statistic etc. In order to fill
this gap, the “ National Sample Survey “ was set up in 1950 under
the able guidance of Prof.P.C Mahalanobis with the active support
of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the than Prime minister of India.

The National Sample survey is a continuing multi subject integrated

survey being conducted in the form of successive rounds, each
round covering some topic of current interest. The scope, period
and programme of each round are fixed by taking into account
the nature of data required and the resources available for that
period. Since the 14th round (1958-59) the survey period has
been usually one complete year coinciding approximately with
the agricultural year. However, the survey period for the 26th
round was of fifteen months duration, and that for the 28th
round only nine months.
• National Sample Surveys • The nationwide Labour
Force Survey, namely, ‘Periodic Labour Force Survey’
(PLFS) was launched from 1st April 2017. The main
objective of the PLFS is to measure quarterly changes
of various indicators of the labour market in urban
areas as well as to generate the annual estimates of
different labour force indicators both in rural and
urban areas. The Annual Report on PLFS (July 2017 –
June 2018) and Quarterly Bulletin for the quarter
October – December 2018 were released on 31st
May 2019. Quarterly Bulletin for PLFS for the quarter
January – March 2019 was also released on 23rd
November 2019.
• The key indicators and unit level data of NSS 75th round (July
2017-June 2018) corresponding to Household Social
Consumption on Health and Education have been released on
23rd November 2019.
• The reports and unit level data of NSS 76th round of NSS (July-
December 2018) devoted to the subjects of (i) Persons with
Disabilities and (ii) Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene &
Housing Condition, have been released on 23rd November
2019.
• Time Use Survey (TUS), which is intended to collect data on
time dispositions of household members, was conducted for
the first time during the period January to December 2019.
The primary objective of TUS is to measure 10 participation of
men, women and other groups of persons in paid and unpaid
activities. About 10,000 FSUs will be surveyed for the TUS at
all India level.
• This will also provide information on time spent on
learning, socializing, leisure activities, self-care
activities, etc. by the household members.
• Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises
(ASUSE) has been launched on 1st October 2019,
initially for six months, which is devoted exclusively
to an integrated survey on economic and operational
characteristics of unincorporated non-agricultural
enterprise in manufacturing, trade and other services
sector to supplement the corporate sector data.
Based on its result and experience of initial six
months survey, a full-fledged survey will be launched
from April 2020.
• The 78th Round of NSS (January – December 2020)
is devoted to the subjects of (i) Domestic Tourism
Expenditure and (ii) Multiple Indicator Survey.
Multiple Indicators Survey (MIS) is being conducted
for the first time by NSSO for providing estimates
relating to some important indicators of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) 2030. For the first time in
NSS, a Questionnaire format will be used for
collection of data in NSS 78th round instead of the
conventional Schedule format used in NSS.
• The Collection of data for the central sample will be done
through Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI)
method. The survey commenced from 1st January 2020. • The
provisional results of ASI 2017-18 were released in e-media in
the month of September 2019. 2.6 Members of Parliament
Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme. • `52,904.75 crore
has been released since inception of the Scheme. •
Expenditure of `50,604.12 crore has been incurred since
inception of the Scheme • The percentage of expenditure
over release is 95.65 as on 30th November 2019 since
inception of the Scheme. • In 2019-20, against the allocated
fund of `3950 crore, an expenditure of `1607.05 crore has
been incurred (including brought forward unspent amounts of
previous years).
• 11 CHAPTER – III NATIONAL STATISTICAL COMMISSION (NSC)
3.1 The Government of India through a Resolution dated 1st
June 2005 d
 Sample Registration System (SRS)
• In India, the need for dependable demographic data was
felt soon after independence.
• The registration of births and deaths started on voluntary
basis and there was no uniformity in statistical returns
resulting in both under-registration and incomplete
coverage.
• In order to unify the civil registration activities, the
Registration of Births & Deaths Act, 1969 was enacted.
• Despite having the registration of birth & death compulsory
under the statute, the level of registration of births and
deaths under the Act has continued to be far from
satisfactory in several states/UTs.
 The main components of SRS are:
• Base-line survey of the sample units to obtain usual resident
population of the sample areas
• Continuous (longitudinal) enumeration of vital events
pertaining to usual resident population by the enumerator
• Independent retrospective half yearly surveys for recording
births and deaths which occurred during the half year under
reference and up‑dating the House list, Household schedule
and the list of women in the reproductive age group along with
their pregnancy status by the Supervisor;
• Matching of events recorded during continuous enumeration
and those listed in course of half-yearly survey
• Field verification of unmatched and partially matched events.
• Filling of Verbal Autopsy Forms for finalized deaths.