Census 2027: Every Person Must Be Counted, Says Meghalaya Chief Secretary

Meghalaya Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed, today stressed the importance of comprehensive population data for inclusive development and effective implementation of government welfare schemes, urging officers to ensure that every individual is counted in Census 2027.

He was addressing a State-Level Training Conference of Principal Census Officers and senior officers on Phase II (Population Enumeration) of Census 2027, held at the State Guest House, Taraghar, Shillong. The conference aimed to strengthen operational preparedness, coordination and public awareness ahead of the enumeration exercise.

Emphasising that the census was far more than a headcount, Ahammed said reliable demographic and socio-economic data would help the government identify gaps in healthcare, education, social welfare, road connectivity and digital infrastructure. The information would also support Meghalaya’s development vision for 2032 and help assess progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Highlighting the state’s geographical diversity, predominantly rural settlements and tribal population, the Chief Secretary noted that these factors presented unique challenges for census operations. He stressed that people living in remote areas, including Baghmara, Dalu and Ranikor, must be covered, warning that incomplete data could lead to gaps in public services and leave vulnerable communities outside the reach of government programmes.

He urged officers to publicise the census and its importance to sensitise the public and encourage participation. Ahammed also underlined the role of population data in strengthening Meghalaya’s investment prospects by providing insights into demographic trends, market potential, youth capabilities and infrastructure requirements. As the state pursues its ambition of building a $10-billion economy and subsequently a $16-billion economy, he said such information would be crucial for long-term economic planning and attracting private investment.

The Chief Secretary commended the State Nodal Officer, officers of the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI) and nearly 10,000 personnel, including enumerators, for successfully completing the House Listing and Housing Census phase despite numerous challenges. Expressing confidence in the team’s ability to build on this experience, he called upon census personnel to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and commitment.

Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and State Nodal Officer for Census, Dr Pooja Pandey, highlighted the role of technology in the digital census, noting that it would facilitate data compilation while enhancing accuracy and security.

Smti. Vrushali Abhijit Warade, Deputy Registrar General, Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, delivered a detailed presentation on the operational framework of Census 2027. She also informed participants that the Central Government would provide financial and technical assistance to the state for conducting the exercise.

Further presentations were delivered by Shri S. Chatterjee, Joint Director; Shri B. Basumatary, Deputy Director; Shri Aibor Sanglyne, Deputy Director; and Shri Donbok Syiemsadd of the Directorate of Census Operations, Meghalaya. The sessions covered enumeration procedures, identification of persons to be counted, census questions, relevant provisions of the Census Act and Rules, and applicable circulars and guidelines.

Participants were also familiarised with digital tools and platforms, including the mobile application, Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS), SE Portal and Enumeration Block Creation Portal. Discussions also addressed media and publicity strategies to promote public awareness and 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 other senior officers of the Government of Meghalaya and the Directorate of Census Operations, Meghalaya.

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