National Economic Census kicks off across Nepal; 4,000 enumerators deployed nationwide

KATHMANDU: Nepal has officially launched its nationwide National Economic Census, deploying around 4,000 enumerators across the country to map the size, structure, and dynamics of the economy at federal, provincial, and local levels.

The momentom, initiated under the slogan “Economic Census for Measuring the Economy,” began on Wednesday and will run continuously for two months and seven days, according to National Statistics Office.

Comprehensive Coverage of Economic Activities

Speaking on the launch, Dhundiraj Lamichhane, Deputy Chief Statistician and spokesperson of the office, confirmed that the census will cover all types of permanent establishments engaged in production, distribution, and economic transactions within Nepal.

“This census aims to measure the real size of the economy across federal, provincial, and local levels,” Lamichhane said. “It will provide a clear picture of economic activities at the grassroots level and help assess whether national policies are moving in the right direction.”

The exercise is expected to generate critical baseline data for policymakers, enabling evidence-based decision-making and long-term economic planning.

Key Tool for Policy and Investment Planning

Officials emphasize that the census will play a crucial role in identifying potential investment sectors, improving economic governance, and aligning development strategies with actual ground realities.

According to the National Statistics Office, the data collected will help the government design targeted policies, allocate resources efficiently, and track economic performance across different administrative tiers.

“It is not only about measuring the economy but also about identifying where investment opportunities lie and how the economy is evolving,” Lamichhane added.

Technology-Driven Enumeration

In a significant upgrade from previous exercises, this year’s economic census integrates advanced digital tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

For the first time, the office is using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to track enumerators’ locations and monitor their assigned areas in real time. Enumerators will rely on digital maps to identify and record establishments within their designated zones.

Additionally, a dedicated “e-Census” system has been introduced for larger enterprises, allowing them to submit data online using secure login credentials. Authorities estimate that around 100,000 establishments will participate through the e-Census platform.

Data Privacy and Confidentiality Assured

Officials have assured that strict confidentiality protocols will be maintained throughout the process. Under Nepal’s statistical laws, individual data collected during the census will not be disclosed publicly.

“All information will be published only in aggregated form,” Lamichhane said. “The data will not be used for taxation or administrative penalties, so businesses should feel confident in providing accurate details.”

Strong Institutional Coordination

To ensure effective implementation, the census is being conducted in coordination with key government ministries and private sector organizations. These include the Ministry of Finance Nepal and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology Nepal, along with local governments across the country.

Private sector umbrella bodies such as the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce have also partnered in awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

Monitoring and Support Mechanism

To address operational challenges during the enumeration period, the National Statistics Office has established a toll-free helpline (1178) for support and grievance handling.

Monitoring mechanisms have been strengthened through multi-tier coordination structures. District-level facilitation committees led by Chief District Officers have been formed, alongside local-level committees down to the ward level to ensure smooth execution.

Call for Participation

Authorities have urged entrepreneurs, business owners, and service providers nationwide to actively participate by providing accurate and complete information about their establishments.

“This is a national effort to understand Nepal’s economy in depth,” Lamichhane stated. “We request all stakeholders to cooperate so that we can build a reliable economic database for the country.”

As Nepal seeks to accelerate economic reforms and attract investment, the success of the National Economic Census is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future policy direction and strengthening the country’s economic architecture.