Homeless will also be part of census 2011

The Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) recently held a meeting with officials of the Census of India, representatives of NGOs and collegians in the city. The aim was to prepare a plan of action to include the homeless population in Census 2011.

The work for Census 2011 has been going on since May 1, 2010, with the final enumeration to be taken on February 28. The CYDA is locating those who live on the streets and are not covered during the house listing operations. Thus, it is involving other agencies working for the cause of the homeless by identifying them on city bridges, Pune Railway Station, footpaths and so on.

The Census of India had approached the CYDA to support this initiative and ensure inclusion of the homeless population.
Census of India officials Bharti Thakre, Pravin Ashtekar and Shukla were present at the meeting. Representatives of Asha Kiran Foundation, Saheli, Parivartan, National Centre For Advocacy Studies (NCAS), Basic Needs India, All India Institute of Local Self Government, Shramajivi Muktivadi Yuva Sangathana, Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat, students pursuing social work at Bharati Vidyapeeth, doctoral students of the University of Pune and activist Sharda Khomne also attended the meeting.