Srinagar, May 13 (JKNS): Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Principal Census Officer (Urban) Faz Lul Haseeb on Wednesday said that extensive training for the upcoming Census exercise has begun across Srinagar to ensure authentic and accurate ground-level data collection after a gap of nearly 16 years.
Speaking to media persons, Faz Lul Haseeb, as per news agency JKNS, said the last census was conducted in 2011 while the exercise scheduled for 2021 could not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our census is taking place after nearly 16 years. Normally, it is conducted every 10 years. The last census was held in 2011 and it was supposed to happen in 2021, but due to the spread of COVID-19, it could not be conducted,” he said.
The Commissioner said the Government of India has now initiated the Census process in 2026 and training programmes are being conducted in multiple phases across Srinagar.
“Today, we conducted the second round of census training for Phase 4, 5, 6 and 7. We have identified four to five locations for the training and a large number of participants are attending these sessions,” he said.
He said properly trained master trainers have been engaged to ensure that enumerators and supervisors receive quality training before the house listing phase begins.
“We are trying our best to provide proper training so that when the first phase of house listing starts in June, we receive clean and authentic data from the ground,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of accurate census figures, Faz Lul Haseeb said reliable data is essential for policy formulation, welfare schemes and future planning.
“Normally, there is always a concern regarding accuracy of data. But when census data is compiled after actual ground-level monitoring, it helps the government formulate proper policies and assess public needs in a better manner,” he said.
The Commissioner further said Srinagar Urban has been divided into seven phases for the training process and authorities are likely to conduct another round of sessions before field deployment of staff.
“We have completed several phases and today was the second day of the current training schedule. Tomorrow it will conclude and then we may conduct one more round so that field staff can carry out the exercise effectively and professionally,” he said.
Referring to welfare schemes like old-age pensions, the Commissioner said accurate census data would help authorities identify genuine beneficiaries and improve delivery of public services.
“When authentic census data becomes available, the government gets a clear picture on the ground. Whether it is old-age pension or any other welfare scheme, proper data helps ensure people get the relief and benefits they deserve,” he added. (JKNS)
