Jammu and Kashmir is embarking on its inaugural comprehensive household enumeration exercise aimed at identifying families experiencing multi-dimensional poverty across the Union Territory. This initiative seeks to bolster inclusive governance and ensure that welfare schemes effectively reach the most vulnerable populations.
The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, presided over a meeting on Wednesday with the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD) to gain a thorough understanding of the proposed household-level enumeration. An official spokesman indicated that this exercise is considered a significant advancement in the region’s developmental trajectory. Multi-dimensionally poor families are defined as those facing deprivations in health, education, and living standards. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the primary objective is to create a scientifically validated and technology-driven database that will enable government departments to deliver welfare benefits with enhanced precision, foster inter-departmental coordination, and guarantee that no deserving family is overlooked.
Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized that this proposed undertaking marks a crucial step towards data-driven governance, transparency, and inclusive development. He further stated that it will establish an institutional framework for identifying and addressing areas of deprivation throughout Jammu and Kashmir. He instructed the deputy commissioners to collaborate with the Planning Department to determine the necessary human resources for the survey. Additionally, the Chief Secretary directed the department to develop capacity-building programs for the personnel involved, ensuring the exercise commences after the completion of the two phases of Census operations across the Union Territory, including the pastoral communities.
The proposal, presented by R Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary of the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department, outlines a scientifically designed methodology for identifying households experiencing multiple deprivations in health, education, and living standards, adhering to government norms. Vaz explained that the proposal is grounded in the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) framework, which was developed by NITI Aayog in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This framework has been adapted for the specific purpose of identifying poor families at the household level within Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike national surveys that rely on sampling and provide only broad poverty estimates, this proposed exercise aims to identify the specific households behind these statistics, thereby facilitating direct and targeted government interventions.
Initially, the enumeration will focus on the most vulnerable categories already documented in government databases, specifically Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households. This segment comprises approximately 2.19 lakh beneficiary households spread across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, according to the spokesman. The methodology employed will align with the nationally accepted MPI framework, assessing each household across three key dimensions: health, education, and standard of living. This assessment will be conducted through 12 meticulously defined indicators. These indicators include nutrition, child and adolescent mortality rates, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, access to cooking fuel, sanitation facilities, availability of safe drinking water, electricity access, housing conditions, possession of household assets, and financial inclusion.
A scientifically weighted deprivation score will be automatically generated using a digital application. Households that surpass the predetermined deprivation threshold will be classified as multi-dimensionally poor. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, two structured digital schedules have been proposed. The first schedule will gather essential household information for the automated calculation of the MPI score. The second schedule, which will be administered only to households identified as multi-dimensionally poor, will delve into the specific reasons for their deprivation, identify gaps in their access to government schemes, gauge their awareness levels, and understand the barriers preventing them from availing benefits. The information collected through this exercise is expected to empower departments to design targeted interventions tailored to district-specific and household-specific needs.
The spokesman further asserted that the household database generated from this exercise will serve as a robust decision-support system for the government. It will facilitate the convergence of welfare schemes related to health, education, housing, drinking water, sanitation, clean energy, financial inclusion, livelihoods, and social protection. This initiative is also anticipated to lead to more efficient utilization of public resources, enhance the monitoring of sustainable development goals, and support evidence-based district planning across the Union Territory.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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