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1
Why does the Federal Statistical Office (BFS) send out these questionnaires every year?
For the census, the FSO conducted a survey of the entire population every ten years. Since 2010, it has obtained most of the information it needs from the population registers of the municipalities and cantons and is therefore only dependent on approximately 200,000 samples from the population – annually. With the help of this so-called structural survey, the federal government obtains further relevant data that is not available in the registers. This includes, for example, more information about language, religious communities, family and living conditions.
2
What happens to the data from the structural research?
All information collected is treated strictly confidential. After completion of the research phase in the autumn, the Federal Statistical Office anonymizes the datasets by removing the surname, first name, address and AHV number. The questionnaires themselves will be removed in December. Good to know: The data will not be passed on to other authorities – such as the Tax Authorities or IV.
3
Do I have to complete the census questionnaire?
Yes. The structural investigation is mandatory. The foundation is laid by the federal law on the federal census (Census Act). Anyone who receives a questionnaire must complete it completely and correctly and return it within a few weeks. This year the deadline for entries is January 29, 2024.
4
Is it possible that you will be selected again after participating?
This should not happen, but it can if you move, stay abroad or because of the size of your household. The BFS tries to distribute the burden of the structural survey evenly among the population and has introduced a procedure for this. In such a case you must still complete the questionnaire.
5
What happens if you do not complete the structural survey questionnaire?
According to the BFS, just over 40 percent of respondents missed the first filing deadline at the end of January. These people will receive a first reminder letter on February 9, 2024 and another on March 22, 2024.
This article was first published in the “Observer”. You can find more exciting articles at www.beobachter.ch.
This article was first published in the “Observer”. You can find more exciting articles at www.beobachter.ch.
6
How do you check if someone has provided false information in the census?
The participants’ answers are supplemented with data from population, building and apartment registers. The BFS then checks whether the information about, for example, employment or commuting traffic matches. If this is not the case, those affected will be contacted again by telephone.
7
Is there a risk of a fine if the structural research questionnaire is submitted incorrectly, too late or not at all?
According to the census law, in such a case there is a risk of compensation of up to 1,000 francs. But no one has ever had to pay, says Julia Voronkova, head of the Production and Structure Survey. The reason for this is the high response rate to the questionnaires, namely around 90 percent. As long as the willingness to participate is so great, the Federal Office will continue to charge no costs.
8th
Can you see the census results somewhere?
Yes. The BFS publishes the results annually on its website. The cantons also provide information about the results.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
