Pune Municipal Corporation Gears Up for Major Census Drive Starting May 1
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to initiate a comprehensive census exercise within its limits on May 1, marking a significant administrative undertaking. This large-scale operation will involve approximately 10,000 staff members who will conduct home visits to gather essential information from residents across the city.
Preparations and Training Underway
In preparation for this massive effort, the civic administration has outlined a phased training program scheduled for March and April. These sessions aim to equip personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to efficiently carry out their duties. A preliminary meeting was recently held at the PMC headquarters, chaired by Additional Municipal Commissioner Omprakash Divte, to discuss key logistical aspects.
During this meeting, officials delved into various critical elements, including:
- Staff deployment strategies to ensure adequate coverage.
- Detailed plans for systematic home visits to maximize efficiency.
- Provision of stationery and other materials required for the ground survey.
Structured Supervision and Digital Innovations
To oversee the exercise, the administration will appoint 15 officers at each ward office, who will supervise the entire process. Enumerators will be deployed based on the number of houses in each ward, with supervisors accompanying them during every visit to ensure accuracy and compliance.
A civic official shared insights into the timeline, stating, "As per the preliminary plan, home visits by enumerators will begin around May 15 and continue for one month. Surveyors will collect forms and handle the numbering of homes." In a notable first, the Central government has introduced a digital option, allowing residents to fill out forms online from May 1 to 15, providing convenience and modernizing the data collection process.
Call for Public Cooperation and Future Steps
The administration is currently awaiting more detailed instructions from the state government to finalize the program. Another official emphasized, "A detailed programme will be declared in the next few days. All we want from people is their cooperation during the survey. The administration is expecting them to follow instructions." This appeal highlights the importance of community participation in ensuring the success of this vital civic initiative.
As Pune prepares for this extensive census, the combined efforts of trained staff, structured supervision, and innovative digital tools aim to streamline data collection and enhance urban planning efforts for the future.
