Pakistan Mouza Census: Understanding the Importance and Methodology

In Pakistan, Mouza Census is an important census conducted every decade to collect data on the population living in each Mouza, which is a rural administrative unit. The main purpose of the Mouza Census is to collect data on the population, housing, and other demographic characteristics of the people living in each Mouza. This information is used by the government and other organizations for planning and development purposes.

The Mouza (Village) Census, which is conducted in Pakistan with the assistance of Provincial Revenue Departments, is a hundred percent count basis census that aims to update the lists of mouzas or villages as per the latest administrative order for subsequent use as a sampling frame [2]. Initially designed for updating mouza/village lists, its scope has expanded over time to encompass community-level data relating to the environment in which rural communities operate and perform various agriculture-related functions.

Methodology of Mouza Census

The Mouza Census is conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), which is responsible for conducting all types of censuses and surveys in the country. The Mouza Census is conducted using the de jure method, which means that the data is collected on the basis of where people usually live, rather than where they happen to be on the day of the census. The census is conducted in two phases: the enumeration phase and the data processing phase.

The enumeration phase involves the physical counting of people and housing units in each Mouza. The enumerators, who are hired by the PBS, go door-to-door and collect information from the residents. The information collected includes the number of people living in each household, their age, sex, marital status, education level, occupation, and other demographic characteristics. The enumerators also collect information on the type and condition of housing units, as well as on the availability of basic amenities such as water, electricity, and sanitation facilities.

The data processing phase involves the compilation, editing, and tabulation of the data collected during the enumeration phase. The data is processed using advanced software and techniques to ensure accuracy and completeness. Once the data is processed, it is analyzed and used to generate various reports and statistical tables that provide insights into the demographic characteristics of the population living in each Mouza.

Importance of Mouza Census

The Mouza Census is an important tool for the government and other organizations to plan and implement development projects in rural areas. The data collected during the census is used to identify the needs and priorities of the population and to design and implement programs that address those needs. For example, information on housing units and basic amenities can be used to design programs to improve the living conditions of the rural population, while information on the age, sex, and education level of the population can be used to design programs to improve education and health outcomes.

In addition to being used for development planning, the data collected during the Mouza Census is also used for political purposes. The census data is used to determine the number of seats each province is allocated in the National Assembly and in the provincial assemblies. The data is also used to demarcate electoral constituencies at the local government level.

Challenges in Conducting Mouza Census

Conducting a census in a country as large and diverse as Pakistan is a complex and challenging task. One of the main challenges faced by the PBS in conducting the Mouza Census is the lack of accurate and up-to-date maps of rural areas. Many rural areas are not well-defined, and the boundaries of Mouzas are often not clearly demarcated. This makes it difficult for the enumerators to accurately identify and count the population living in each Mouza.

Another challenge faced by the PBS is the security situation in certain parts of the country. In some areas, particularly those bordering Afghanistan, the security situation is volatile, and it is difficult for enumerators to access those areas and collect data.

History of Mouza Census in Pakistan

The history of the Mouza Census in Pakistan dates back to pre-independence times when the British colonial rulers conducted the first agricultural census in 1901 to gather data on crops, land use, and production. This was followed by several other agricultural censuses conducted in different years to update the agricultural statistics [3].

In Pakistan, Mouza Census is conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), which was established in 1950 to collect, compile and publish data for evidence-based policymaking [2]. Mouza (Village) Censuses each in the years of 1970, 1979, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008 had been conducted by ACO in the overall statistical framework under Statistics Division. The census due in 2013 was not conducted due to the merger of three organizations i.e. Population Census Organization, Federal Bureau of Statistics, and Agricultural Census Organization into the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) [1].

The latest Mouza Census was conducted in 2020 by PBS in both settled and unsettled areas of Pakistan. The main objective of this census was to update the Mouza List which serves as the basis for various other administrative and statistical purposes, including land revenue, agricultural planning, infrastructure development, and political representation [2].

Overall, the Mouza Census in Pakistan has a long history dating back to the British colonial era, and it continues to play an important role in gathering data for agricultural and other administrative purposes.

Pakistan Mouza Census 2008

Mouza Census 2020 Dashboard

Mouza Census 2020

Pakistan Mouza Census 2020 (Provincial Reports)

Pakistan Mouza Census 2020 (Country Report)

Key Finding Report of Mouza Census-2020

Obtaining Microdata for Mouza Census Series of Pakistan

To obtain the microdata of Mouza Census series of Pakistan, you may visit the website of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and submit the data request, which is responsible for conducting the census. According to PBS, the next Mouza Census was planned for 2020, covering both settled and unsettled areas [1].

PBS has published provincial and country reports of Mouza Census 2020, which may contain some microdata, such as population and land use statistics, for researchers and analysts. The reports can be accessed in PDF format from the PBS website [2, 3].

If the information you are looking for is not available in the published reports, you may contact PBS directly to inquire about the availability of the microdata you need. PBS provides contact information on their website [1].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pakistan Mouza census is an essential process that provides valuable insights into the agricultural and rural sector of the country. The data obtained through the Mouza census is used to make informed decisions and policies related to agriculture, rural development, and poverty reduction. It also ensures equitable distribution of resources and services among the rural areas of Pakistan. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct the Mouza census after every 10 years to keep the data up-to-date and accurate. The government and non-governmental organizations should also use the data obtained through the Mouza census for research and analysis purposes to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development in Pakistan.