Preparation for the 2019 population census is underway in the Vitebsk region
In accordance with Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 384 of October 24, 2016, the next population census will be held in the autumn of 2019. To ensure the process is smooth and yields the necessary results, preparations for this important event began in advance. To minimize costs, certain articles of the Law of the Republic of Belarus of July 13, 2006 "On Population Census" were refined, noted Natalia Shrub, Deputy Head of the Main Statistical Department of the Vitebsk Region – Head of the Department of Demographic Statistics and Population Census.
In particular, local executive and administrative bodies are obliged to organize, on a gratuitous basis, the provision of premises for the work of temporary census personnel and the placement of stationary sites, as well as vehicles.
BY THE WAY: A census has been conducted twice in the territory of the independent Republic of Belarus: in 1999 and 2009.
In connection with the upcoming large-scale campaign, local regulatory acts have also been developed in each region of the country. In the Vitebsk region, Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Decision No. 235 "On the Preparation and Conduct of the Population Census of the Republic of Belarus in 2019" was adopted a year ago. According to it, for example, from September 23 to November 13, 2019, temporary census personnel will be provided with free travel on public transport upon presentation of a corresponding identification.
However, it is also necessary to assign vehicles to territorial statistical bodies to ensure the work of enumerators in rural areas, where settlements are significantly distant from each other, and the existing transport links will not allow the tasks to be completed, emphasized Natalia Olegovna.
Cars may also be needed to monitor the work of stationary sites or to assist an enumerator in an unforeseen situation.
In accordance with the decision of the regional executive committee No. 235, a temporary regional commission for population census assistance was established.
Its first meeting was held not long ago, where changes in legislation, the duties of local authorities, the procedure for conducting the campaign, and many other pressing issues were considered.