Census helps in determining the level of labour supply and the number of taxable adults in the country
KARACHI: As the sixth most populous country in the world, Pakistan is conducting its sixth census after nearly two decades. The counting exercise is being conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics from the 15th March till 15th April 2017 after being delayed twice. President Mamnoon Hussain inaugurated the head count in Karachi on Wednesday 15th March.
The census is being conducted in two phases. In order to facilitate people, a dedicated helpline has been set up for information and queries regarding the census process. The Pakistan Army has been involved to ensure security of the drive, while the police and local administration are also providing assistance.
The census is important because it compiles a numerical profile of the people within a country and is an integral part of the planning process for the government and private sector and also helps in decision-making at all levels. It gathers the demographic, social and economic information of the country as well as problems of the people including housing, income, sanitation, etc.
The most important reason why a census should be conducted is because it provides the government with a statistical layout about the aging population, number of youngsters ready to enter the market, the disabled and the old. It also helps in determining the level of labour supply and the number of taxable adults in the country.
I believe the government’s step of conducting the census across the country is a great step as it would help in better planning of the social and economic wellbeing of its people.
Naveen Zehra
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2017.
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