D- For persons age 10 years and above
[Questions 20 to 22 were asked of persons age 10 years and above]

21. What was (the respondent's) main occupation during the last 12 months?

Section D: For Persons Age 10 Years and above
The section dwells on what people age 10 years and above spent most of their time doing.

Q21 Main occupation and Q22 Specialization
Responses on occupation and specialization are to be recorded firstly in the numerator's note book during an interview. Thereafter, the enumerator will code this information (see Classification of Occupations Manual) and shade in appropriate boxes on the questionnaire before leaving the premise.

Q21 Main occupation
For persons coded 0-3 in Q20 above, i.e., paid employees; employers; own account workers; unpaid family workers.

This refers to trade, or profession performed by an individual during the last 12 months, irrespective of the industry or status in employment of the individual. Where multiple occupations are common, the main or usual occupation should be determined. This is done by determining the duration of work in each occupation during the reference period.

For those with multiple occupations, i.e. when a person is involved in more than one occupation at a given time, e.g. government official who teaches part-time, or a teacher who enumerates during the census, record the person's main occupation i.e. where he/she spends most of the time.

The type of work should be recorded as fully as possible, e.g. shorthand typist; grade 3 carpenter; key punch operator; motor vehicle mechanic; panel beating foreman; etc. Avoid such unclear and one word descriptions as operator; foreman; driver; etc. Probe so that you put people in the correct category. If in doubt ask for a description for the main kind of work and note it in the comments section and seek guidance from supervisor at the earliest possible opportunity.