The Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) has utilised state-of-the-art technologies, systems, and software in the Qatar 2020 Census, it was announced.
PSA said the move was to ensure smooth flow of work in this national project, facilitate data acquisition, and ensure its accuracy and speed of classification and analysis, in accordance with the best internationally-recognised standards. Since the 2010 Census, Qatar has used cutting-edge census techniques, similar to those utilised in this year’s census. However, this year’s census introduced new additions to such technologies that facilitate the census process and make it more accurate.
All programmes, systems, technologies, and networks employed in Qatar 2020 Census are among the most recent globally-adopted developments. The latest tablets are used in the process of data collection by field researchers. Such devices are provided with the co-ordinates of the locations of the establishments and houses, as well as maps applications that enable researchers to reach the desired home.
In this census, PSA allows household and individual data to be recorded electronically, and by self-enumeration as “the household head can enter PSA website and record his data accurately, easily, and safely without the need to receive field researchers, which provides him with full privacy in providing the required data in the online form.” For the purpose of this census, two communication rooms were set up and equipped with the latest devices to respond to all public inquiries via PSA’s hotline number, and to report information to researchers in the field, with working hours from 8am-8pm.
In the very first days after launching the online form, the two communication rooms received a lot of calls via the hotline number. Most inquiries were about some fields in the form and how to save data for each individual and the whole family. Also, there is the operation room that includes a group of auditors who examine and verify the data to ensure its quality and inclusiveness.
Furthermore, the census took advantage of geographic information systems (GIS) deployed in PSA, which are equipped with the latest programmes and systems that serve the census process in all fields, whether in the preparatory stage or the field stage, down to the results stage, while making state atlases, whether electronic or paper.
PSA is keen to achieve a high degree of full confidentiality of data, which will not be published according to the measures in place in PSA, and as stipulated in the Official Statistics Law of 2011.
On December 1, PSA resumed the final phase of Qatar 2020 Census, which was postponed as part of the precautionary measures to combat Covid-19. This phase began with the online census, which is currently available through PSA’s electronic platform (www.psa.gov.qa/census2020.aspx) and will continue until January 7, 2021, while the field work by field researchers resumed on December 13, 2020 until mid-January 2021.
PSA is calling on citizens and residents to electronically fill out the census form. First, they shall self-complete the statistical form through the link: www.psa.gov.qa/census2020.aspx.
They will then need to register the ID number and mobile number (provided that the mobile number is registered in the name of the owner of the ID card), so that a special code will be sent to the registered phone number that allows access to and filling in the census online statistical form.
PSA confirmed that these steps are important to ensure accuracy and full confidentiality of data, in accordance with the Official Statistics Law of 2011. PSA has allocated the toll-free number 800-8000 to answer public inquiries about the census, along with PSA website.
Conference on public policies in Mideast nations in April
The School of Public Administration and Development Economics at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies will organise “The governance of public policies for Middle East countries during and after conflicts,” on April 4-5 in Doha, QNA reported from Doha.
The school announced yesterday the start of receiving of research proposals to participate in the conference, noting that the deadline for receiving abstracts is January 25, and the last date for receiving written papers is March 30, 2021.
The conference discusses sevaeral key questions about public policy governance frameworks during and after conflicts, who are the main actors and influencers in public policymaking and implementation, during and after these conflicts, how to make public policies in times of war, how to mobilise the various resources needed to implement public policies, and the roles of parties not involved in conflicts to mitigate the effects of wars on societies and the difficulties they face.
The conference reference paper indicates that the researcher can write theoretical and applied research papers on one of the topics and axes of public policy governance in the Arab countries that suffer from direct conflicts “reality and challenges”, the topic of public policies related to energy in particular, the general policy governance frameworks related to energy, and the institutional arrangements taken during and after conflicts in the region, as well as the regional and international role in the governance of public policies in conflict and non-conflict Arab countries, in addition to the networks of key actors and influencers or governmental and non-governmental actors in the process of making and implementing public policies, and the challenges that arise.
Qatar condemns bombing in Kabul
Qatar has expressed its strong condemnation of the bombing that took place in the Afghan capital Kabul which resulted in deaths and injuries. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s firm stance on rejecting violence and terrorism regardless of motives and causes. It expressed Qatar’s condolences to the families of victims as well as the government and people of Afghanistan, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Explosion in central Somalia condemned
Qatar has strongly condemned the explosion which took place in front of a football stadium in central Somalia, causing deaths and injuries. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s firm position on rejecting violence and terrorism, regardless of motives and reasons. It expressed Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Somalia, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
MME attends symposium on risk assessment of nuclear emergencies
The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Environmental Operations Department, participated in an international symposium held by the Incident and Emergency Center of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on risk assessment within a series of safety standards issued by the agency to protect people and the environment in accordance with the general safety inspection requirements part No 7, article No 4 of the Protocol on Regional Co-operation, QNA reported.
The symposium, which was held via video communication technology, dealt with safety fundamentals, requirements, and evidence, emergency preparedness, radiation assessment reports, nuclear safety, technical reports, and technical documents.
It also tackled a series of safety standards issued by the IAEA to protect the health and reduce risks on life and property and security services provided by the agency such as design, positioning, engineering, and operational security.
Two held over video of speed camera destruction
The competent authorities yesterday arrested a person who is seen trying to destroy a speed camera at The Pearl-Qatar, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) tweeted. The action was taken after a video circulated on social media. The person who filmed the video was also arrested and referred for further legal action, the tweet added.
Arrest over violating home quarantine rules
The designated authorities arrested yesterday one person for violating the legal requirements of the home quarantine. The arrest came in implementation of the precautionary measures in force in the country, approved by health authorities to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The violator being referred to the prosecution is Hamad Saleh Braik Ajyan al-Majdour. The authorities have called on citizens and residents under home quarantine to fully commit to the Ministry of Public Health’s condition, to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
170 face prosecution for not wearing masks
The designated authorities yesterday, referred 170 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in places where they are mandatory, QNA reported.
The measure is in line with the Cabinet decision, Decree Law No 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, and the precautionary measures in force in the country to contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). The authorities called on the public to adhere to the precautionary measures in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
