Abstract

ABSTRACT OF ECONOMIC CENSUS IN INDIA

1. GENESIS

A reliable and robust database is the foundation of organized and proper planning. TheCentral Statistics Office (CSO), since its inception, has been instrumental in creation of database forvarious sectors of the economy and its periodic updation so as to meet the requirements of the plannersfor sound and systematic planning both at the macro as well as micro levels. While data requirementsmay be enormous in various sectors, the judicious collection and maintenance of data for varioussectors within the available resource is a challenge. Our economy can broadly be classified into twosectors, namely, Agricultural and Non-Agricultural sectors. Fairly reasonable database exists forAgricultural Sector whereas such data base for Non-Agricultural sector is much desired. Keeping inview the importance of the non-agricultural sector in the economy and non-availability of basic framefor adoption in various sampling techniques for collection of data and estimation of various parameters,conducting Economic Census was felt necessary. With this background, the CSO started EconomicCensus for preparing frame of establishments, particularly the ‘area frame’ which could be used forvarious surveys for collection of detailed data, mainly on non-agricultural sector of the economy.

1. EARLIER ATTEMPTS

Broadly the entire planning period may be divided into two: prior to conduct of the FirstEconomic Census i.e. prior to 1977 and thereafter i.e. after the economic census was carried outperiodically. Efforts to fill up the data gaps for the non-agricultural sector were made right from thebeginning of the First Five Year Plan. The first National Sample Survey (NSS) round (1950-51)covered non-agricultural household establishments as one of its subject themes. Such establishmentswere covered regularly up to the tenth NSS round (1955-56). Subsequently, selected activities weretaken up for survey intermittently in different rounds (14th, 23 rd & 29th rounds). Establishmentschedules were canvassed in 1971 population census. The census of unorganized industrial units wascarried out during 1971 -73. Census of the units falling within the purview of Development Commissioner, Small Scale Industries, was carried out during 1973-74 and a survey on distributivetrade was conducted by some of the States during the Fourth Five-Year Plan period (1969-74). Allsuch efforts made prior to 1977 to collect data on non-agricultural establishments have been partial andsporadic. Area sampling with probability proportional to population were mostly used even to captureestablishments. For a survey of establishments such sample design is not only inefficient but alsoresults in under coverage of desired number of establishments and low reliability of the estimatesderived. The prolonged efforts of statisticians and planners in finding a way out for collection ofinformation on amorphous areas of activity resulted in a decisive breakthrough with the advent ofconduct of Economic Census.

1. ECONOMIC CENSUSES CONDUCTED IN THE PAST

The Economic Enquiry Committee set up in 1925 under the Chairmanship of Dr.Visweswarayya and more importantly the Bowley-Robertson Committee set up later in 1934, were mainly responsible for the government’s decision to set up an Inter-Departmental Committee with theEconomic Adviser to the Government of India as the chairman. The Inter-Departmental Committeerecommended the formation of a Central Statistical Office for coordination, institution of a statisticalcadre, establishment of State Bureaus at State Head Quarters and maintenance of important statisticsfor the entire country. Bowley and Robertson Committee also commissioned a study to explore thepossibility of conducting economic censuses in India. The first coordinated approach was made by theerstwhile Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), Government of India, by launching a plan scheme'Economic Census and Surveys' in 1976. The scheme envisaged organising countrywide census of alleconomic activities (excluding those engaged in crop production and plantation) followed by detailedsample surveys of unorganised segments of different sectors of non-agricultural economy in a phasedmanner during the intervening period of two successive economic censuses.The basic purpose of conducting the economic census (EC) was to prepare a frame for followup surveys intended to collect more detailed sector specific information between two economiccensuses. In view of the rapid changes that occur in the unorganised sectors of non-agriculturaleconomy due to high mobility or morbidity of smaller units and also on account of births of new units,the scheme envisaged conducting the economic census periodically in order to update the frame fromtime to time.

1. First Economic Census (EC -1977) and Follow Up Surveys

The First Economic Census was conducted throughout the country, except Lakshadweep,during 1977 in collaboration with the Directorate of Economics & Statistics (DES) in the States/UnionTerritories (UT). The coverage was restricted to only non-agricultural establishments employing atleast one hired worker on a fairly regular basis. Data on items such as description of activity, number ofpersons usually working, type of ownership, etc. were collected.Reports based on the data of EC-1977 at State/UT level and at all India level were published.Tables giving the activity group-wise distribution of establishments with selected characteristics andwith rural and urban break up were generated. State-wise details for major activities and size-class ofemployment in different establishments, inter-alia, were also presented in tables.Based on the frame provided by the First Economic Census, detailed sample surveys werecarried out during 1978-79 and 1979-80 covering the establishments engaged in manufacturing, trade,hotels & restaurants, transport, storage & warehousing and services. While the smaller establishments(employing less than six workers) and own account establishments were covered by National SampleSurvey Organisation (NSSO) as a part of its 33rd and 34th rounds, the larger establishments were covered through separate surveys by the CSO. Detailed information on employment, emoluments,capital structure, quantity & value of input, output, etc. were collected and reports giving all importantcharacteristics on each of the concerned subjects were published.

1. Second Economic Census (EC-1980) and Follow Up Surveys

The Second Economic Census was conducted in 1980 along with the house-listing operations ofPopulation Census 1981. This was done with a view to economizing resources, manpower, time andmoney. The scope and coverage were enlarged. This time all establishments engaged in economicactivities - both agricultural and non-agricultural whether employing any hired worker or not werecovered, except those engaged in crop production and plantation. All States/UTs were covered withthe sole exception of Assam, where Population Census 1981 was not conducted.The information on location of establishment, description of economic activity carried out,nature of operation, type of ownership, social group of owner, use of power/fuel, total number ofworkers usually engaged with its hired component and break-up of male and female workers werecollected. The items on which information were collected in Second Economic Census were more orless the same as those collected in the First Economic Census. However, based on experience gained inthe First Economic Census certain items viz. years of operation, value of annualoutput/turnover/receipt, mixed activity or not, registered/ licensed/recognised and act or authority, ifregistered were dropped.The field work was done by the field staff consisting of enumerators and supervisors employedin the Directorate of Census Operations of each State/UT. The State Directorates of Economics &Statistics (DES) were also associated in the supervision of fieldwork. Data processing and preparationof State level reports of economic census and their publication were carried out by the DES.Based on the frame thrown up by EC-1980, three follow-up surveys were carried out, one in1983-84 on hotels & restaurants, transport, storage & warehousing and services, second in 1984-85 onunorganised manufacturing and third in 1985- 86 on wholesale and retail trade.The economic census scheduled for 1986 could not be carried out due to resource constraints.However, the EC- 1980 frame was updated during 1987-88 in 64 cities (12 cities having more than 10lakh population and 52 other class-I cities) which had problems of identification of enumerationblocks and changes due to rapid urbanization. On the basis of the updated frame, four follow-upsurveys were conducted during 1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91 and 1991-92 covering the subjects ofhotels & restaurants and transport, unorganized manufacturing, wholesale & retail trade and medical,educational, cultural & other services respectively.

1. Third Economic Census (EC-1990) and Follow Up Surveys

The Third Economic Census was synchronized with the house listing operations of the Population Census 1991 on the same pattern as EC- 1980. The coverage was similar to that of EC-1980. All States/UTs except Jammu & Kashmir, where Population Census 1991 was not undertaken,were covered.Based on the frame thrown up by EC-1990 four follow up surveys were carried out:(i) Establishment Survey covering sectors of mining & quarrying, storage & warehousingin 1992-93;(ii) Establishment Survey covering sectors of hotels & restaurants and transport in 1993-94;(iii) NSS 51 st round covering directory, non-directory and own account establishments inunregistered manufacturing sector in 1994-95; and(iv) Directory Trade Establishments Survey in 1996-97. NSS 53 rd round covered theresidual part of the unorganised trade sector in 1997.

1. Fourth Economic Census (EC-1998) and Follow up Surveys

Retail Price: DOAC: Apple: Uttar Pradesh: Gorakhpur data was reported at 140.000 INR/kg in Mar 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 95.000 INR/kg for Feb 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Apple: Uttar Pradesh: Gorakhpur data is updated monthly, averaging 80.000 INR/kg from Feb 2005 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 197 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 200.000 INR/kg in Jun 2021 and a record low of 25.000 INR/kg in Oct 2005. Retail Price: DOAC: Apple: Uttar Pradesh: Gorakhpur data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC123: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Apple.

Retail Price: DOAC: Banana: Bihar: Gaya data was reported at 42.000 INR/Dozen in Apr 2023. This stayed constant from the previous number of 42.000 INR/Dozen for Mar 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Banana: Bihar: Gaya data is updated monthly, averaging 36.000 INR/Dozen from Jun 2007 (Median) to Apr 2023, with 68 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 50.000 INR/Dozen in May 2021 and a record low of 8.000 INR/Dozen in Jul 2007. Retail Price: DOAC: Banana: Bihar: Gaya data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC127: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Banana.

Retail Price: DOAC: Banana: Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur data was reported at 60.000 INR/Dozen in Mar 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 45.000 INR/Dozen for Feb 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Banana: Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur data is updated monthly, averaging 39.000 INR/Dozen from Jan 2006 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 168 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 60.000 INR/Dozen in Mar 2023 and a record low of 10.000 INR/Dozen in Mar 2016. Retail Price: DOAC: Banana: Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PB084: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Banana.

Retail Price: DOAC: Atta: Karnataka: Hubli data was reported at 30.000 INR/kg in Mar 2023. This stayed constant from the previous number of 30.000 INR/kg for Feb 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Atta: Karnataka: Hubli data is updated monthly, averaging 25.000 INR/kg from Jan 2005 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 197 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 45.000 INR/kg in Sep 2019 and a record low of 11.000 INR/kg in Nov 2005. Retail Price: DOAC: Atta: Karnataka: Hubli data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC125: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Atta.

Retail Price: DOAC: Urad: Split: Punjab: Ludhiana data was reported at 70.000 INR/kg in Jan 2014. This stayed constant from the previous number of 70.000 INR/kg for Dec 2013. Retail Price: DOAC: Urad: Split: Punjab: Ludhiana data is updated monthly, averaging 54.500 INR/kg from Jan 2005 (Median) to Jan 2014, with 106 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 72.000 INR/kg in May 2012 and a record low of 20.000 INR/kg in Apr 2005. Retail Price: DOAC: Urad: Split: Punjab: Ludhiana data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC173: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Urad: Split.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Industrialized Countries - Import Price Index by Origin (NAICS): Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing for Industrialized Countries was 100.30000 Index 2010=100 in June of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, Bureau of Labor Statistics Industrialized Countries - Import Price Index by Origin (NAICS): Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing for Industrialized Countries reached a record high of 109.50000 in July of 2018 and a record low of 99.20000 in May of 2020. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Bureau of Labor Statistics Industrialized Countries - Import Price Index by Origin (NAICS): Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing for Industrialized Countries - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Retail Price: DOAC: Atta: Uttar Pradesh: Saharanpur data was reported at 30.000 INR/kg in Mar 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 32.000 INR/kg for Feb 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Atta: Uttar Pradesh: Saharanpur data is updated monthly, averaging 22.000 INR/kg from Dec 2005 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 163 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 36.000 INR/kg in Jan 2023 and a record low of 11.000 INR/kg in Jul 2006. Retail Price: DOAC: Atta: Uttar Pradesh: Saharanpur data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC125: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Atta.

Retail Price: DOAC: Pencil: Odisha: Bhubneshwar data was reported at 26.000 INR/Unit in Oct 2014. This records an increase from the previous number of 22.000 INR/Unit for Sep 2014. Retail Price: DOAC: Pencil: Odisha: Bhubneshwar data is updated monthly, averaging 9.000 INR/Unit from Jan 2005 (Median) to Oct 2014, with 116 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 26.000 INR/Unit in Oct 2014 and a record low of 4.000 INR/Unit in Feb 2005. Retail Price: DOAC: Pencil: Odisha: Bhubneshwar data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PB157: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Non Food: by Cities: Pencil (Discontinued).

Bureau of Labor Statistics Industrialized Countries - Import Price Index by Origin (NAICS): Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing for Industrialized Countries was 111.90000 Index 2010=100 in June of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, Bureau of Labor Statistics Industrialized Countries - Import Price Index by Origin (NAICS): Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing for Industrialized Countries reached a record high of 112.00000 in May of 2025 and a record low of 96.30000 in April of 2016. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Bureau of Labor Statistics Industrialized Countries - Import Price Index by Origin (NAICS): Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing for Industrialized Countries - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Pacific Rim - Import Price Index: Resin, synthetic rubber, and artificial synthetic fibers and filaments for Pacific Rim was 86.00000 Index 2010=100 in December of 2020, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, Bureau of Labor Statistics Pacific Rim - Import Price Index: Resin, synthetic rubber, and artificial synthetic fibers and filaments for Pacific Rim reached a record high of 101.00000 in November of 2012 and a record low of 80.60000 in March of 2016. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Bureau of Labor Statistics Pacific Rim - Import Price Index: Resin, synthetic rubber, and artificial synthetic fibers and filaments for Pacific Rim - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Retail Price: DOAC: Washing Soda: Madhya Pradesh: Bhillai data was reported at 22.000 INR/kg in Aug 2007. This stayed constant from the previous number of 22.000 INR/kg for Jul 2007. Retail Price: DOAC: Washing Soda: Madhya Pradesh: Bhillai data is updated monthly, averaging 20.500 INR/kg from Nov 2005 (Median) to Aug 2007, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23.000 INR/kg in May 2007 and a record low of 20.000 INR/kg in Nov 2006. Retail Price: DOAC: Washing Soda: Madhya Pradesh: Bhillai data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PB176: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Non Food: by Cities: Washing Soda (Discontinued).

Retail Price: DOAC: Apple: West Bengal: Asansol data was reported at 150.000 INR/kg in Mar 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 100.000 INR/kg for Feb 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Apple: West Bengal: Asansol data is updated monthly, averaging 80.000 INR/kg from Jun 2007 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 145 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 250.000 INR/kg in May 2021 and a record low of 36.000 INR/kg in Dec 2007. Retail Price: DOAC: Apple: West Bengal: Asansol data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC123: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Apple.

Retail Price: DOAC: Wheat: Desi: Gujarat: Surat data was reported at 28.000 INR/kg in Mar 2023. This stayed constant from the previous number of 28.000 INR/kg for Feb 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Wheat: Desi: Gujarat: Surat data is updated monthly, averaging 21.000 INR/kg from May 2005 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 98 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 31.000 INR/kg in Feb 2022 and a record low of 10.000 INR/kg in Nov 2006. Retail Price: DOAC: Wheat: Desi: Gujarat: Surat data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC175: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Wheat: Desi.

Retail Price: DOAC: Gur: Local: Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur data was reported at 60.000 INR/kg in Mar 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 50.000 INR/kg for Feb 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Gur: Local: Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur data is updated monthly, averaging 38.000 INR/kg from Jan 2006 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 182 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 62.000 INR/kg in Oct 2021 and a record low of 15.000 INR/kg in May 2007. Retail Price: DOAC: Gur: Local: Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC150: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Gur: Local.

Retail Price: DOAC: Coconut: Dry: Gujarat: Surat data was reported at 230.000 INR/kg in Mar 2021. This stayed constant from the previous number of 230.000 INR/kg for Feb 2021. Retail Price: DOAC: Coconut: Dry: Gujarat: Surat data is updated monthly, averaging 40.000 INR/kg from Jan 2005 (Median) to Mar 2021, with 42 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 255.000 INR/kg in Dec 2020 and a record low of 40.000 INR/kg in Jul 2007. Retail Price: DOAC: Coconut: Dry: Gujarat: Surat data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC135: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Coconut: Dry.

Retail Price: DOAC: Fish: Pomphret: Gujarat: Rajkot data was reported at 650.000 INR/kg in Mar 2023. This stayed constant from the previous number of 650.000 INR/kg for Feb 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Fish: Pomphret: Gujarat: Rajkot data is updated monthly, averaging 550.000 INR/kg from Nov 2013 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 19 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 650.000 INR/kg in Mar 2023 and a record low of 500.000 INR/kg in Apr 2014. Retail Price: DOAC: Fish: Pomphret: Gujarat: Rajkot data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC143: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Fish: Pomphret.

Retail Price: DOAC: Pencil: Maharashtra: Nasik data was reported at 2.500 INR/Unit in Jan 2008. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.000 INR/Unit for Dec 2007. Retail Price: DOAC: Pencil: Maharashtra: Nasik data is updated monthly, averaging 2.000 INR/Unit from Jan 2006 (Median) to Jan 2008, with 23 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.500 INR/Unit in Jan 2008 and a record low of 2.000 INR/Unit in Dec 2007. Retail Price: DOAC: Pencil: Maharashtra: Nasik data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PB157: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Non Food: by Cities: Pencil (Discontinued).

Retail Price: DOAC: Masur: Split: Tripura: Agartala data was reported at 115.000 INR/kg in Mar 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 118.000 INR/kg for Feb 2023. Retail Price: DOAC: Masur: Split: Tripura: Agartala data is updated monthly, averaging 80.000 INR/kg from Jan 2005 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 204 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 120.000 INR/kg in Mar 2022 and a record low of 30.000 INR/kg in Feb 2005. Retail Price: DOAC: Masur: Split: Tripura: Agartala data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PC154: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Food: by Cities: Masur.

Retail Price: DOAC: Exercise Book: Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow data was reported at 25.000 INR/Unit in May 2015. This stayed constant from the previous number of 25.000 INR/Unit for Apr 2015. Retail Price: DOAC: Exercise Book: Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow data is updated monthly, averaging 20.000 INR/Unit from Dec 2005 (Median) to May 2015, with 94 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 30.000 INR/Unit in Jul 2014 and a record low of 1.500 INR/Unit in Dec 2005. Retail Price: DOAC: Exercise Book: Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Price – Table IN.PB146: Retail Price: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation: Non Food: by Cities: Exercise Book (Discontinued).