One of the standout initiatives by the NSO is the creation of Local Government (LG) profiles based on census and other available data. These profiles provide tailored insights into detail demographics, infrastructure and socio-economic conditions to make informed decisions
Census is the cornerstone of evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation, offering invaluable insights into the demographic, social and economic snapshot of the nation. Census data serves as a foundation for planning, resource allocation and policy development across various sectors. Its value lies in enabling targeted interventions, ensuring inclusivity and addressing inequalities effectively.
One of the most significant aspects of census data is its ability to identify marginalised populations and areas requiring targeted support. For example, census data provides detailed information on population dynamics, age distribution, literacy rates and employment patterns among others. These data allow policymakers to design programmes that address critical issues such as access to education, healthcare and social services. By identifying gaps in service delivery, census data becomes a powerful tool for bridging inequalities and promoting inclusive growth.
Moreover, it is essential for understanding demographic patterns and urbanisation trends. With rapid urbanisation in Nepal, the demand for infrastructure, housing and public services in urban areas has surged. In rural areas, census data guides investments in agriculture, education and healthcare, ensuring that development initiatives are tailored to local needs.
Recognising the diverse needs of stakeholders, the National Statistics Office (NSO) has prioritised making census data more accessible and user-friendly. Efforts include the development of interactive tools, dashboards, data portals and data visualisation platforms that simplify complex datasets for policymakers, local governments and the general public. By adopting innovative approaches to data dissemination, the NSO aims to enhance stakeholder engagement and utilisation of census data. For instance, digital platforms now allow users to explore census data through interactive maps, charts and graphs, enabling stakeholders to analyse trends and patterns, facilitating data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the NSO has implemented training programmes to build the capacity of local officials and other stakeholders in interpreting and using census data effectively. These initiatives ensure that data is not only available but also actionable. Another critical aspect of accessibility is ensuring that census data is disseminated in multiple formats.
One of the standout initiatives by the NSO is the creation of Local Government (LG) profiles based on census and other available data. These profiles provide tailored insights into detail demographics, infrastructure and socio-economic conditions, empowering local governments to make informed decisions. From urban planning to disaster management, LG profiles have proven instrumental in addressing community-specific challenges and improving service delivery.
Local governments are at the forefront of implementing development initiatives and responding to community needs.
However, their efforts are often hampered by a lack of reliable data. The LG profiles address this gap by providing a comprehensive snapshot of local conditions. For example, an LG profile might highlight wards with high rates of unemployment, enabling local authorities to prioritise job creation programmes. Similarly, profiles can identify regions with high prevalence of child marriage, limited access to healthcare facilities and other services.
Politicians, Parliamentarians play a crucial role in shaping national and local policies. Recognising their influence, NSO has initiated programmes to engage with them and enhance their understanding of census data. These By collaborating with legislators and local politicians, NSO is driving a culture of informed policymaking. One of the key challenges in engaging politicians/parliamentarians is bridging the gap between technical data and policy relevance. To address this, NSO has organised a series of briefings and workshops to help politicians understand how data can be used to address pressing issues such as poverty reduction.
Beyond emphasising the importance of the census, it is crucial to focus on how data is being used to address real-world challenges. For instance, census data has been instrumental in identifying trends related to poverty, education and health disparities, allowing policymakers to design targeted interventions. One notable example is the use of census data to track progress toward national development indicators and sustainable development goals. By analysing changes in key indicators over time, policymakers can assess the effectiveness of their strategies and make necessary adjustments.
Census data also plays a critical role in disaster management and resilience building. In a country prone to natural disasters like Nepal, understanding the vulnerabilities of different communities is essential for effective planning and response.
The socio-economic impact of census data extends beyond immediate policy applications. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the nation's demographic, social and economic landscape, census data fosters a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities facing the country. This holistic perspective is essential for building consensus around development priorities and mobilising resources effectively. For example, by highlighting disparities in literacy rates, educational attainment and health care services across regions, the data underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve access to quality education.
By ensuring the accessibility and usability of census data, the NSO is fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making. Looking ahead, NSO aims to integrate it with other data sources to play a pivotal role in driving Nepal's development journey.
Regmi is Deputy Chief Statistician, NSO
