Srinagar, May 15: The first phase of Census-2011 commenced in Jammu and Kashmir Saturday from Raj Bhawan with the enumeration of Governor, N N Vohra, who is the first citizen of the State. The First Lady, Usha Vohra, was present on the occasion.
A team of Census officials headed by Director Census Operation, Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Faktoo, called on the Governor to launch the conduct of Census. The first phase of Census relates to house numbering, house listing and compiling of National Population Register.
The Governor replied to the queries of the Census officials in regard to the details for house listing, house numbering and establishment of the National Population Register and recorded his signatures on the requisite forms filled up in his presence.
The Governor emphasized the need for creating awareness among the people at large, through the print and the electronic media, about the Census-2011 and its broad objectives.
The Governor, in a message on the occasion, said the Census has evolved as the most credible mechanism for procuring valid information regarding the vital characteristics of the population, particularly the status of economic activity, literacy and education, housing and household amenities, urbanization, fertility, longevity, language, religion, caste, tribe, disability and other varied socio-cultural and demographic data. He said that the Census, which has been the essential source of primary data at village, town and ward level, provides valuable information for the planning and formulation of policies by the Central and State Governments. “The Census data also provides the basis for reviewing and monitoring the ongoing governmental welfare schemes and programmes and is profitably used by interested national and international agencies, researchers, scholars and others”, he added.
He said that in this context, it needs to be recognized that the entire Census-2011 exercise is of crucial importance for the harmonious development of the State as the data to be collected shall be utilized by the planners and policy makers to lay the basis of future plans which are relevant to the requirements of J&K.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 15 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
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