The first phase of Houselisting & Housing Census along with collection of information for preparation of National Population Register in the states of Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttaranchal and Maharashtra commences on Saturday, according to a press release issued by PIB. Starting with canvassing of Houselisting and Housing Census and National Population Register schedules on April 1, 2010, the massive exercise has been undertaken in the states of West Bengal, Assam, A&N Islands, Goa, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Orissa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Tripura and Andhra Pradesh.

The Census exercise provides biggest source of data on Demographic, Economic and other characteristics of the population. Data collected during housing Census would provide useful information on housing condition, household amenities and the assets possessed by the households.

Details such as name, date of birth, sex, current address, permanent address, name of father, mother and spouse etc will be gathered for creation of National Population Register by visiting each and every household. All usual residents will be eligible to be included irrespective of their nationality. Each and every household will be given an acknowledgement slip at the time of enumeration.

The entire exercise of Houselisting and Housing Census and collection of data on National Population Register (NPR) is scheduled to be completed between April and September, 2010 across the country. The National Population Register would have the data of every person enumerated during the Census operations irrespective of age.