The population and dwelling census in Moldova will be taken on May 12-25, not in April as planned initially. A bill to this effect was passed by Parliament on March 20, IPN reports.

Deputy Head of Parliament Liliana Palihovici said the date was changed because 50% of the costs for preparing and holding the census are covered with foreign financing that will become accessible at the end of March.

A number of other changes were made by the bill adopted by the legislature. A new notion is introduced for dorms, hotels, shelters, reception and rehabilitation centers, and children’s homes – ‘collective dwelling place’. Besides the questions set earlier, the people will have to also say if they carry out volunteer activities and if they are looking for a job. The people will be also asked to say the personal identification code and to name their sources of income and the difficulties experienced in the basic daily activities.

The census questionnaire will be filled out in the official language or in Russian. A world language is allowed for foreigners.

The bill is to be passed in the second, final reading.