In order to improve the availability of data at the gewog-level, the National Statistical Bureau will be piloting its first gewog-level database system in Bumthang.
At present, it is quite difficult to access up-to-date data in gewog centres. Information is available only at the dzongkhag-level. This creates several complications for data-collectors, says an NSB official. He points out that a gewog-level database system will provide data to any sector requiring information directly from the respective gewog centres.
During the three-day consultative meeting on the gewog-level database, this week, a common format for data collection was discussed. All relevant gewog sectors will be involved in data collection. Health officials, school principals and gewog administrative officers have been identified as data collectors.
“Our aim is to create a gewog-level database system that can be efficiently used for evidence-based planning by all sectors and gewogs,” said NSB’s Statistical Officer, Pema Namgay.
Participants at the meeting were trained in data collection as well.
“In this pilot project, all relevant sectors will compile data and send it to the gewog centres within three months. We plan to compile all the data collected from Bumthang Dzongkhag and also begin monitoring the project,” said the Deputy Chief Statistical Officer Bumthang, Tenzin.
The three-day consultative workshop was organized by the National Statistical Bureau with assistance from the UNFPA.
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If this project is successful, it can be duplicated in other gewogs to help them and other agencies, in effective gewog-level planning.
Deputy Chief Statistical Officer , Tenzin
