Belstat: the census's main goal is to have over 98% of the population participate, with more than 25% doing so online
One of the main tasks of the census is to determine the most accurate population of the country. Belstat expects that with the use of all current innovations, it will be possible to enumerate the maximum number of people. "An order is currently being prepared to approve the target indicators for assessing the conduct and quality of the census. We set for ourselves: over 98% enumerated - excellent, 95-98% - good, less than 95% - satisfactory. The proportion of the population enumerated via the Internet: over 25% - excellent, 20-25% - good, less than 20% - satisfactory," explained Inna Medvedeva.
By the way, as of August 1, 9 million 454.1 thousand people lived in Belarus.
"The census provides accurate information on population size, number of households, families (how many, what kind, full demographic breakdown). And this allows for the correct organization of the entire state's work. We provide unique information on the distribution of labor resources, why people don't work in one city but move to another, etc. Every ten years, we obtain information on actual unemployment. Quarterly, we publish data from a sample survey on employment, which involves a small percentage of the population. The most important thing we get is a forecast of the socio-economic development of Belarus. For the next 10 years, we will base our calculations and forecast parameters on the census data," said Inna Medvedeva, emphasizing the importance of this procedure. At the same time, she expressed the view that there is no need to introduce any fines in Belarus for those who categorically refuse to be enumerated. Especially since the trial census showed the openness of the population.
From October 4 to 30, a population census will be held in the country under the slogan "A look at the present - a step into the future." The previous campaign was conducted 10 years ago. Respondents will be asked to answer 49 questions, including about basic demographic and national-ethnic characteristics, migration activity, education, sources of livelihood, employment, number of children, housing conditions, and economic activity.
It will be possible to be enumerated in one of three ways: to independently fill out questionnaires online at a convenient time, at stationary polling stations, or at home during an oral interview with a census taker.
Locations for stationary polling stations have been determined almost everywhere. Information on addresses will be posted on the website of Belstat, territorial bodies of state statistics, and likely, at the request of the committee, district residents and district executive committee websites will be informed. There is also an agreement with the housing and communal services to inform the population through utility bills.
From October 4 to 18, mobile stationary polling stations will operate. This means that all organizations wishing to receive census takers (who will later visit home addresses) can submit applications. And there are already quite a few of them.
Inna Medvedeva added that Belstat has directed government bodies to conduct the census online. By the way, this will also be a convenient method for Belarusians who are temporarily abroad (if a person resides outside the country for less than a year, they are obliged to be enumerated, but adult relatives can do it for them).
"We are also preparing census takers in healthcare organizations, social services, and closed institutions. These are employees of these organizations who have already undergone training," noted the head of Belstat. "For the management staff, we conducted a training seminar at Belstat. Others will undergo training from September 17 at the territorial bodies of state statistics." She added that approximately 2.7 thousand census takers will work in specialized, special institutions of closed and open types.
In total, all new approaches to conducting the census will help reduce the number of census personnel by three times, almost as much reduce the time for filling out the census form. And, of course, improve the quality of procedures. A special call center will also assist in conducting the census, where one can turn with any questions on the topic. The census promotional website is already operating at www.перепись.бел and www.census.by, where one can familiarize themselves with the data from the 2009 campaign and find useful information and advice about the upcoming event.
Belstat will provide the first information on the population size in February 2020. Detailed information on socio-demographic characteristics, including actual unemployment, will be provided in July 2020, and information on the most complex part of the questionnaire – population activity in agriculture – in July 2021.