Ministry of Planning faces bemusement over household appliance questions in national census

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Ministry of Planning is under fire after revealing that the upcoming national census will include questions about the number of household appliances in residences. While some citizens have responded with humor and skepticism, the ministry defended the inclusion as essential for assessing living standards and shaping national import policies.

Iraq’s first national census in more than 20 years is scheduled for November 20, 2024. Preparations include deploying 120,000 field researchers and utilizing advanced electronic data collection systems.

“As specialists and experts in development, we consider questions about appliances and furniture to be very important,” said Abdul Zahra Al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Planning. “The aim is to measure the welfare level of Iraqi families and assess poverty rates.”

The census form includes questions about 18 durable goods, such as cars, mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, freezers, air coolers, air conditioners, and electric ovens. “Knowing the number and types of these devices can indicate the welfare index of Iraqi families,” Al-Hindawi explained.

He added that the data would help the government formulate import policies, assess electricity and fuel needs, and address economic challenges. He emphasized that responses to these questions are voluntary and confidential by law. Addressing rumors, Al-Hindawi stated that the data will not be used for tax measures or to raise energy prices.

Despite these assurances, many Iraqis remain unconvinced. “Even the poorest households now have a cooler and a refrigerator,” said Yass Khudair, a local vendor. “If a family owns these appliances and a television, does that make them well-off? A retiree earning 500,000 dinars can buy appliances on instalments but still remain within the poverty circle.”

Khudair questioned the approach, arguing that it may not accurately measure poverty or wealth. “If the government wants to improve citizens’ conditions, it should find other methods, not through the census,” he said.

The census is a nationwide effort, with the Kurdistan Regional Government beginning its registration and property coding phase on October 1, 2024. This initial step, expected to last two months, aims to gather data on urban and rural populations across the Kurdistan Region.