Daily Times

Chief Secretary Sindh and Chief Census Commissioner jointly chaired a high-level meeting was held on Thursday to ensure the completion of verification/ enumeration process for 7th Population and Housing Census-2023 in Sindh by 15th May, 2023

A comprehensive strategy was devised jointly to ensure complete census coverage in Sindh till 15th May, 2023. The census field operation and verification process will continue till 15th May, 2023 in low coverage districts of Sindh. PBS gave a detailed presentation on the previously shared reasons for low coverage mined through digital systems. Block-wise list of one member, two members and non-living units were shared with the Sindh Provincial Government for a targeted approach to ensure full coverage Chief Census Commissioner, Dr. Naeem uz Zafar assured full support of PBS in identifying further gaps and provision of desired information Chief Secretary Sindh appreciated the presentation shared by PBS and assured his full cooperation in filling the gaps identified by PBS and completing the important National task of Census within the stipulated timelines.

All Commissioners shared their views on the reasons for low coverage, over coverage or high growth and other Population trends in their areas of responsibility and committed to complete coverage by 15th May, 2023

Chief Secretary directed Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to ensure complete coverage till 15th May, 2023 by sensitizing their respective Assistant Commissioners (ACs). DCs and ACs will fulfill their roles, by ensuring Field visits for effective vigilance and monitoring. Strict action will be taken in case of misreporting by Field staff. On completion of work Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners will share completion Certificate, in case of any substantial departure in Population trends reasons and justifications may be recorded in Completion Certificate.

A high level meeting between Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) higher management and Sindh Provincial Government, under the joint chair of Chief Secretary Sindh and Chief Census Commissioner was held on 4th May, 2023, which was attended by Senior management of PBS whereas all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of Sindh joined through Zoom link.

Mr. Sarwar Gondal, Member (SS/RM), PBS delivered a detailed presentation on the reasons of low coverage and under coverage to Sindh provincial Government. As Sindh Government is fully responsible for completion of Field work in province.

The reasons of low coverage, under coverage and negative growth rate as identified by PBS are Non response, non-coverage of collective residences like hostels, madrassas etc. low coverage in high rise buildings, high percentage of one person and two persons’ households, over reporting of non-living households, non-response and lack of access to gated communities and restricted areas. He also stressed on regular field visits of DCs and ACs for effective monitoring. He also emphasized on daily progress sharing as strict action is needed to conclude the exercise on 15th May, 2023.

It was mutually agreed that all efforts will be made to reduce the gaps identified by PBS. Sindh Provincial Government was fully agreed with the concept of targeted approach. Chief Secretary Sindh directed all DCs and ACs to undertake field visit to ensure complete coverage and plug in the gaps identified by PBS.

He also directed to solve access problem and provision of one to one security to Field Enumerators. Further, progress will be monitored and shared regularly with Chief Secretary Chief Census Commissioner regularly. Chief Secretary directed Commissioners and DCs to make utmost efforts to ensure complete coverage within stipulated time.