In Uzbekistan, the process of the general census of population and agriculture, conducted for the first time since 1989, is nearing completion. Data collection was organized in two stages: in the first stage from January 15-31, citizens could register independently online via the electronic platform census.stat.uz, while the second stage began on February 4 and is being carried out through door-to-door visits by representatives of the "mahalla seven".

A newspaper observed the work of census takers in the "Tirsakobod" and "Xirmontepa" mahallas of the Chilanzar district. In "Tirsakobod" mahalla, census takers gather daily in the morning at the mahalla committee to report on their work. According to mahalla committee chairman Mo'minjon Egamberdiyev, almost all of the 6,660 residents have been registered, with only pensioners unable to do so independently remaining.

Youth leader Lobar Norqo'ziyeva noted that the main challenge for census takers has been citizen distrust. Some refused to show passports or feared fraud. In such cases, staff showed official badges with QR codes and explained the census purposes.

The census process also identified social issues. For example, in "Tirsakobod" mahalla, a lone elderly man was found not listed in the records; his situation was investigated, and he was included in the list of lone elderly people, receiving assistance.

In "Xirmontepa" mahalla, mahalla committee chairman A'zam Mavlonov described the census as an important task entrusted to the "mahalla seven". Mahalla committee staff have information on nearly 100% of the population, facilitating the process.

Source: www.gazeta.uz