An Evaluation of the Sample Registration Scheme in India

For meaningful planning for social and economic development and for policy making, basic demographic information of a current and continuous nature is a must. Though census data are basic and are of great importance, but due to their static nature and inherent restricted subject coverage, they are only of limited value. Dynamic dependable data through continuous registration system coupled with census and other adhoc data are the ones really needed. Unfortunately, in most of the developing countries, where the resources are limited, and the need for proper planning most, such dynamic data are either not available or are not dependable due to several reasons. One-time surveys can fill in some of the gaps in knowledge, but they have their own limitations and problems and are static as well.