Shillong, October 29: Meghalaya Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed on Thursday emphasised the importance of ensuring that every individual is counted during Census 2027, stating that accurate population data is essential for inclusive development, effective planning and implementation of government welfare schemes.
Addressing the State-Level Training Conference of Principal Census Officers and senior officials on Phase II (Population Enumeration) of Census 2027 at the State Guest House, Taraghar, Shillong, the Chief Secretary urged officers to strengthen preparations, coordination and public awareness to ensure maximum coverage during the enumeration exercise.
Ahammed said the census was more than a population count, as reliable demographic and socio-economic information would enable the government to identify gaps in healthcare, education, social welfare, road connectivity and digital infrastructure. He noted that the data would play an important role in achieving Meghalaya’s development vision for 2032 and assessing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Highlighting Meghalaya’s geographical diversity, predominantly rural settlements and significant tribal population, the Chief Secretary acknowledged the challenges involved in conducting census operations, particularly in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. He stressed that residents of areas such as Baghmara, Dalu and Ranikor must not be excluded from the exercise, warning that incomplete population data could result in gaps in public services and prevent vulnerable communities from benefiting from government programmes.
The Chief Secretary also urged district administrations and census officials to intensify publicity campaigns and engage with local communities to encourage public participation. He further highlighted the importance of census data in attracting private investment by providing information on demographic trends, market potential, youth capabilities and infrastructure requirements. As Meghalaya works towards becoming a $10-billion economy and subsequently a $16-billion economy, Ahammed said reliable population statistics would be crucial for long-term economic planning and investment decisions.
Commending the State Nodal Officer, officials of the Office of the Registrar General of India and nearly 10,000 personnel, including enumerators, for completing the House Listing and Housing Census phase despite various challenges, the Chief Secretary expressed confidence that the experience gained would help ensure the successful completion of the next phase.
Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and State Nodal Officer for Census, Dr. Pooja Pandey, highlighted the role of technology in Census 2027, stating that digital tools would simplify data compilation while improving accuracy and security. She also urged officers to utilise grassroots administrative institutions to spread awareness about the census and encourage residents to participate in the enumeration process.
Deputy Registrar General of the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, Vrushali Abhijit Warade, delivered a detailed presentation on the operational framework of Census 2027, describing the Census of India as one of the world’s largest administrative exercises. She informed participants that the Central Government would provide financial and technical assistance to Meghalaya for conducting the exercise.
Detailed presentations were also delivered by Joint Director S. Chatterjee, Deputy Directors B. Basumatary and Aibor Sanglyne, and Donbok Syiemsadd of the Directorate of Census Operations, Meghalaya. The sessions covered enumeration procedures, identification of persons to be counted, census questionnaires, provisions of the Census Act and Rules, and relevant guidelines.
Participants were also introduced to various digital platforms, including the census mobile application, Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS), SE Portal and Enumeration Block Creation Portal. Discussions further focused on media and publicity strategies to strengthen public awareness and ensure greater participation.
The conference was attended by members of the State-Level Census Coordinating Committee (SLCCC), Commissioners of Divisions, Deputy Commissioners serving as Principal Census Officers, District Census Officers and senior officials from the Meghalaya Government and the Directorate of Census Operations.
In the concluding session, Deputy Director Aibor Sanglyne thanked the participants and urged district-level officers to take proactive measures to ensure maximum population coverage during Census 2027.
