2027 eco census to map all biz establishments in city

New Delhi: Delhi govt will undertake the eighth economic census next year after the completion of the national population census, the second phase of which is likely to kick off next Feb.

The Centre’s ministry of statistics and programme implementation has designated Delhi govt’s directorate of economics and statistics as the central nodal agency for the enumeration of all business establishments, including those in the informal sector. It will collect data on economic activities, ownership patterns and employment generation.

“Delhi’s districts shall function as sub-agencies for the implementation of the census and related statistical activities,” according to the planning department’s June 1 order.

The economic census is a comprehensive exercise under which all business and economic establishments operating across the city — from large companies and factories to small shops, street vendors, service providers and home-based enterprises like coaching centres and pickle-making units — will be enumerated.

Important information about these establishments, such as the type of activities they undertake, the number of people they employ and their locations will be collected. This data will help policy makers understand the city’s business and economic situation as well as potential and help them in better economic planning, framing of policies, employment generation, infrastructure development and delivery of public services.

“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,” stated the order.

An official said the details related to the economic survey, such as the schedule for preparatory work, training of the manpower involved, start of the census, a list of questions that will be asked and how information will be collected will be shared in due course.

“The process will largely resemble the population census. Under the economic census, there will be door-to-door visits covering every locality in the city. Trained enumerators will go to the establishments to collect information on their economic activities, ownership, employment and operational status. The data will then be safely stored,” said the official.