Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 314/13

SIXTH ECONOMIC CENSUS BEGINS

Shillong, June 17, 2013: Survey on Sixth Economic Census which is being conducted across India has kick started in the state of Meghalaya from Raj Bhavan today the 17th June 2013 by the Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Shillong.

The Economic Census enumeration team led by Mr Arnel Marbaniang, Director of Economics and Statistics, briefed the governor on the importance of the Census and also conducted the enumeration and expressed gratitude for extending valuable information for filling up of the Economic Census schedule.

Under the Collection of Statistics Act 2008, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, is conducting the VI Economic Census in the State of Meghalaya during the Month of June–July 2013. The Economic Census is the official count of all the Establishments located within the Geographical boundaries of the Country and is a gigantic exercise carried out in all the States and UT’s in which all establishments both household and non-household in private and public sector will be covered.

So far, 5 (five) such Economic Census have been conducted in the country during 1977, 1980, 1990 and 2005. The census data has provided a database for undertaking follow up surveys by National Sample Survey Office, Govt. of India and other Government and Non-Government agencies to study the structure and composition of the various industrial sectors and their contribution.

The Economic Census is conducted quinquennially and currently is the sixth in the series. The data collected through the economic census will be of immense use for improving the database of the state economy and also the country’s as a whole for micro level planning and policy formulation with respect to various economic activities. In this census, establishments located in a house, markets, industrial areas etc. will be covered without exception both registered and un-registered. Further establishments of mobile vendors will also be captured in the census at their residents and others at fixed location.

With the growing importance of service sector the necessity for reliable and timely data pertaining to various sectors including the service sector at regular interval has assumed great importance due to its significant contribution towards the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is the basic necessity for any sound and systematic planning. The availability of detailed information preferably at micro level is the key to effective planning. Statistics in respect of organized segments of non-agricultural economy are being collected regularly but it is not so in respect of unorganized sectors and even though unorganized sectors assumes great importance due to its significant importance towards GDP and also in generation of employment.

Economic Census would be beneficial in providing basic data for the purpose of planning, development, administration. The results of the VI Economic Census would also provide the sampling frame for follow up surveys through different Socio Economic Surveys. Besides, it will enhance the reliability and accuracy for the estimation of State GDP and related aggregates and also to fill the data gap in the unorganized sector of the economy. Altogether, 3083 Enumerators and 1541Supervisors are being engaged throughout the state for the whole Exercises by utilizing the services of unemployed youth.

Press Release No. 315/13

NOTIFICATION

Shillong, June 17, 2013: The Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has recognized Dr. Donkupar Roy, MLA as the Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly with effect from 17th June 2013. This was informed by the Commissioner & Secretary to Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.