Census is just not a head count but the basis for a lot of intervention at the policy level and for public investment, said S. Malathi, Chief Secretary.
Inaugurating a seminar on ‘Census 2011' on Thursday, she cited two examples from the pervious census that shaped public policy for effective intervention in the State.
Census was actually a national work and people should realise that the information they provide would address socio-economic concerns and make development more meaningful in the country, she said.
C. Chandramouli, Registrar General and Census Commissioner, said the Census would provide the only source of primary data at the village, town and ward levels and was very useful for planning and formulation of policies and effective public administration.
About 2.7 million people, the largest peace time mobilisation, were involved in the population enumeration from February 9 to 28 across the country. The special focus on girl child and education for all were the direct result of Census data in the past, he said seeking co-operation from people.
As many governments, including Tamil Nadu, suggested, a column has been provided for ‘others' apart from male and female categories for transgenders.
The work experience column has been categorised into three categories of three, six and above six months for better understanding of the country's workforce. Similarly, provision has been added to include all types of disabilities, including multiple disability and mental illness, Mr. Chandramouli said.
