The Census Data Research Workstation

In every Census huge volume of information is collected. The Census data published by the Census Commissioner, India is in the form of aggregate tables at various administrative levels. As information is power and as collection of information itself is very costly, many countries allow researchers the access to such a huge dataset as in Census at Micro- level for individual research. The Census of India has also decided to extend this facility to the researchers and has undertaken the project of setting up Workstations country-wide for research on micro-data from Census.

The objective for setting up the Workstation is to permit qualified researchers optimum use of anonymized micro-data from Census for in-depth research by allowing access for generating micro analysis results not published by the Census. Micro Data refers to information provided by one individual respondent at the time of Census. These are made available after anonymizing sensitive fields and location particulars to avoid identification of the respondent. For further details please go through the link:

•   Click here

The Census Data Research Workstation of Mizoram University was inaugurated by Shri Vinay Kumar, Director of Census Operations, Mizoram on 12^th January 2024. The Workstation is a collaborative effort of the Directorate of Census Operations West Bengal under the aegis of Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, New Delhi and Mizoram University. The facility is open to all including those who are not enrolled or part of Mizoram University.

• Micro Data: Sample Micro Data are of two types: (i) National level sample (1% sample) and (ii) State level sample (5% or 10% sample depending on the population size of the State). It is possible to generate Tables at India/State level using National level sample (1%). Similarly, one may generate State/District level tables using the State level samples (5% or 10%). Beside Sample Micro Data, all published Census Tables published from 1991 to 2011 Census available in soft copy are also stored at the Workstation.
• Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS): IBM SPSS Statistics 29 is installed in all computers.
• IBM SPSS Amos
• CSPro Software

The Workstation does not permit the researchers to take out or copy the data. The researcher would be allowed to process the sample micro data using the softwares available in the workstation and generate the tables for use. Only computer printout of the tables so generated will be allowed to be taken out of the work station.

The indented user of workstation has to submit a proposal to the Steering Committee stating details of his/her research project and requirements at least 1 week in advance. Proposals should be directed to: bena.sailo@gmail.com. The steering committee will meet regularly to examine the research proposals received at the workstation and accord permission for use, if found suitable. The facilities available at the workstation will only be open to researchers whose research proposals have been accepted and approved by the steering committee.

However, students and researchers from Mizoram University can avail the facility on any working day.

The specific rules approved by Mizoram University and ORGI, New Delhi for the users of the Census Workstation are:

• The facility at the workstation will be available on all working days during office hours. However, if they need any assistance from the staff the same has to be informed in advance.
• The users of this facility have to produce their identity card/letter from the Principal/ Director/ Head of Department/ Research Guide.
• The users have to sign the register with address, Mobile no. and e-mail ID.

The workstation is located at the ground floor of Department of Geography & RM, School of Earth Sciences & Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl – 796004