Nepal Launches Nationwide Economic Census to Map National Economy

Kathmandu. The National Statistics Office (NSO) began its nationwide 'National Economic Census' field data collection on Wednesday (Baisakh 2). Launched under the theme 'Economic Census for Measuring the Economy,' the national campaign has deployed approximately 4,000 enumerators across the country.

The census aims to provide a crucial foundation for economic policy formulation, planning, investment promotion, and employment analysis. Dr. Kamal Prasad Pokhrel, Chief Statistician at the NSO, expressed confidence that this census will serve as the backbone for the country's overall economic decision-making.

Similarly, Deputy Chief Statistician and Spokesperson Dhundiraj Lamichhane stated that the census will help determine the size of the economy at federal, provincial, and local levels. He noted that this survey is vital for assessing the country's economic direction and identifying investment sectors.

The census will cover all permanent economic units, including industries, trade, service sectors, cooperatives, and both public and private entities. Detailed information will be collected on the number of establishments producing or distributing goods and services within Nepal, their geographical distribution, employment status, production, and service delivery.

However, in line with international practices, diplomatic missions, purely administrative government offices, security agencies, and household-only activities are excluded. The first economic census conducted in 2075 covered approximately 923,000 industrial establishments, which provided employment to nearly 3.2 million people.

To manage the census, 84 district-level offices have been operational since Chaitra 1 across all 77 districts, with multiple offices established in larger districts like Kathmandu, Morang, and Rupandehi (Bhairahawa).

Field data collection will continue for two months and seven days, until Asar 7. The office plans to receive the collected data by the end of Asar and publish preliminary reports starting from the beginning of the next fiscal year. Compared to the previous census, the office expects more detailed, updated, and high-quality data due to improved technology and capacity.

Advanced technology is being utilized to make this census modern and refined. For the first time, the office has implemented GIS technology to track the location and work area of enumerators, who will use digital maps to identify establishments within their assigned areas.

Additionally, an 'e-census' facility has been introduced for interested large-scale industrialists and business owners, allowing them to submit their details online using a username and password. The office estimates that approximately 100,000 establishments will participate via the e-census.

Spokesperson Lamichhane emphasized that the office is sensitive to the privacy of business owners. Under the Statistics Act, individual or business details will not be made public. He urged businesses to provide accurate information, assuring them that data will be published only in aggregate form and will not be used for tax or other administrative purposes.

To ensure the success of the census, coordination and agreements have been established with private sector umbrella organizations such as the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and the Chamber of Commerce. Publicity efforts are also being intensified in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications, and local governments. Furthermore, a toll-free help desk (1178) has been set up to resolve any issues during the census.

Monitoring mechanisms have been established through facilitation committees formed at the district level, chaired by the Chief District Officer, and down to the ward level in local governments. The office has appealed to all entrepreneurs, business owners, and service providers to provide accurate information about their establishments to assist in measuring the national economy.