The Delhi government will undertake the eighth economic census next year, following the completion of the national population census, the second phase of which is expected to commence in February. The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has designated the Delhi government's Directorate of Economics and Statistics as the central nodal agency for enumerating all business establishments, including those in the informal sector. This comprehensive exercise will collect data on economic activities, ownership patterns, and employment generation.
Implementation Framework
According to a June 1 order from the planning department, Delhi's districts will function as sub-agencies for implementing the census and related statistical activities. The economic census is a detailed undertaking that will cover all business and economic establishments operating across the city, ranging from large companies and factories to small shops, street vendors, service providers, and home-based enterprises such as coaching centres and pickle-making units.
Data Collection and Objectives
Enumerators will gather important information about these establishments, including the type of activities they undertake, the number of people they employ, and their locations. This data will help policymakers understand the city's business and economic situation, assess its potential, and improve economic planning, policy formulation, employment generation, infrastructure development, and public service delivery.
The order states: "The statistical officers and assistants posted in district offices under the revenue department are hereby directed to look after and coordinate the work assigned by the directorate... in addition to their existing duties, so as to ensure smooth and timely implementation of the aforesaid work at district level as per guidelines/instructions issued... from time to time on priority basis."
Process and Timeline
An official indicated that details regarding the economic survey, such as the schedule for preparatory work, training of personnel, census start date, list of questions, and data collection methods, will be shared in due course. The process will largely resemble the population census, involving door-to-door visits covering every locality in the city. Trained enumerators will visit establishments to collect information on their economic activities, ownership, employment, and operational status. The data will then be securely stored.
