Digital Data Collection to be used for Next Census, says MHA

Digital data collection, Census Management and Monitoring System, code directory geospatial technology and other latest technologies will be used in the next population census, said the Ministry of Home Affairs report released on Monday.

The MHA Annual Report 2021-22 has learned that data collection in the upcoming Census will be done digitally. The enumerator will collect and send the data directly through the mobile application, using himself or his smartphone. Provision of a paper system is also maintained in case of connection problems. In addition to this, it is also planned to have an online option for self-enumeration during both phases of the Census i.e. housing enumeration and housing and population enumeration.

Enumerators should be encouraged to use their smartphone to collect data, it reads.

It also learned that the mobile applications developed in-house to collect data through Smartphones have been rigorously tested during the deferred census period and have been reviewed and improved.

The Census Management and Monitoring Portal (CMMS) designed to manage and monitor various census-related activities has also been developed with other functions. The portal will be used to manage and monitor various Census activities such as recruitment of Census staff including enumerators and supervisors and allocation of work, scheduling of training for Census officers, progress of work in this field by each enumerator on a real-time basis, automatic generation of other Census records/summaries, processing for payment of training allowances/award for Census workers etc.

A code directory to be used by enumerators in the field to compile descriptive answers that can cut down on delays in the release of Census data, resulting in faster processing and release of data.

Many new initiatives have been undertaken to facilitate the operation of the Census using advanced Geospatial technology. Pre-census mapping activities include preparation and revision of maps showing administrative divisions of districts/UTs, districts, villages, towns, cities and wards within villages to ensure proper coverage of the entire area of ​​the country. In addition, efforts are being made to disseminate Census results through web-based interactive maps. Preparatory work on this path has already begun.