DIMAPUR: State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Tongpang L. Jamir, held a meeting with Dr. Kenei Miachieo, director of Census Operations, Nagaland, and Imkongnungsang, deputy director, to deliberate on the inclusion and accurate identification of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the forthcoming Census exercise.
The discussion centred on ensuring that all 21 categories of disabilities are covered so that no PwD is excluded from the enumeration process. Officials stressed the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to guarantee proper identification and accurate data collection across Nagaland.
A key focus was the training and sensitisation of enumerators, with emphasis on equipping them to understand the different types of disabilities and to identify PwDs correctly and sensitively during fieldwork.
Tongpang highlighted that accurate and comprehensive disability data is vital for effective planning, policy formulation, resource allocation and implementation of government schemes for PwDs. Dr. Miachieo also underscored the importance of creating awareness among enumerators and ensuring that the Census process is conducted with sensitivity, dignity and respect for the rights of PwDs.
The meeting further discussed coordination between the Office of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Office of Census Operations, Nagaland on matters relating to disability identification and enumeration.
The deliberation reaffirmed the commitment of both offices to make the Census process more inclusive, ensuring that every PwD is counted, recognised and appropriately represented in the Census data.
