November 11: The 12th national population census,, which is conducted every 10 years, has started from today (November 11). The Central Bureau Statistics (CBS) has begun the 15-day long census by collecting the details of President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
CBS has estimated that the population of the country would not reach 30 million. At a press conference organized on the eve of the census on November 10, Director General of CBS Nebin Lal Shrestha said that the population is estimated to be less than 30 million. He said that the birth rate of the country is declining and a large number of people are emigrating to foreign countries.
Altogether 40,000 enumerators are being mobilized for the national census. It will take about 30 minutes to collect the details of a family. It takes a minimum of 30 minutes to answer 80 questions, said Shrestha. An enumerator generally collects data of 175 households.
A total of Rs 4 billion will be spent for the census. Shrestha said that it would take five years to complete the entire process of census. Three billion rupees is estimated to be spent in the first year. "Of which, Rs 1.60 billion goes to the salaries and allowances of enumerators and supervisors," said Shrestha. CBS has set up district census offices in each district, 389 local census offices and one office in each of the seven provinces.
In the past years, teachers were recruited as enumerators, but this year teachers have been assigned as supervisors. Youths, who have completed higher secondary education have been recruited as enumerators on the recommendation of local bodies.
A total of 2,250 tablets will be used for census in six cities including Kathmandu. Shrestha said that tablets cannot be used everywhere as they are expensive.
Nepalis working in diplomatic offices and embassies of different countries will be counted through e-census. The CBS informed that it will also collect data of people from Lipulek, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani areas as well. If the data can't be collected physically, it will be done through alternative means like satellite.
According to him, the Indian Army has restricted people to go in these areas so diplomatic efforts are being made to reach there. The department estimates about 800 families live in the area.
