Census 2027 a litmus test for Nagaland: Rio

A high-level briefing on Census-2027 was held at the State Banquet Hall in Kohima on March 11 and was attended, among others, by chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief ministers T.R. Zeliang and Y. Patton, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, cabinet ministers and MLAs. Senior officials present included chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, home commissioner Abhijit Sinha and director of census operations Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi, along with representatives of political parties and other bureaucrats.
Addressing the Census-2027 briefing, chief minister Rio emphasized its importance for Nagaland, noting inconsistencies in the state’s decadal population growth compared to the national average.
He urged elected representatives and political leaders to ensure accuracy through responsible leadership. Highlighting issues caused by inflated data, such as Aadhaar coverage and school enrolment, he stressed avoiding multiple entries. Calling Nagaland a Christian-majority state, Rio appealed for honesty and integrity, discouraging wrongful practices or unhealthy competition during census enumeration.
Earlier in his welcome speech, state chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen underscored the importance of accurate census data for effective planning and development, thanking chief minister Neiphiu Rio for convening the session.
Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha provided an overview, followed by director of Census Operations Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi, who detailed methodology and challenges. Dr. Chusi urged participants to ensure a clean census by avoiding duplicate entries or inflated figures, warning that such practices compromise socio-economic data integrity.
He emphasized that the census is not merely a headcount but a vital source of diverse information essential for policy-making and developmental planning.
The Census-2027 briefing concluded with an engaging discussion where chief minister Rio, deputy CM T.R. Zeliang, minister Kaito Aye, advisor Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, and Kuzholuzo Nienu, MLA contributed key insights. Several questions were addressed before commissioner Nagaland Gregory Thejawelie delivered the vote of thanks, marking the session’s closure.