Census 2027: Kohima stakeholder vows strict implementation of guidelines

Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 15

To ensure successful conduct of the Census operations (Census of India 2027) in Kohima district, the Kohima District Administration, on June 15 held a consultative meeting with Angami Public Organisation, Angami Women Organisation, Angami Youth Organisation, Angami Students’ Union, all the councillors of Kohima Municipal Council and the chairman of all the colonies and wards in Kohima.

The consultative meeting pledged to keep politics and artificial distortions out of the Census 2027, emphasizing that “an accurate count means Kohima gets its fair share of medical facilities, roads and educational institutions.”

“We had a very productive discussion. Our main resolution is that we will ensure that the census directions and guidelines are fully and strictly implemented in Kohima district,” said Kohima deputy commissioner B Henok Buchem while addressing a joint press briefing on Census of India 2027 at DPDB Hall, Kohima.

The 1st Phase (House listing operation) will start from June 16 while Population enumeration under Phase 2 is scheduled for February 2027.

“We have a provision for self-enumeration by any citizen who want to do enumeration by themselves through the portal. Options are given to them, which begins on June 16 till June 30. After, June, the field enumeration begins from July 1 to 31,” he said.

If you do self-enumeration, again it will be verified by the enumerator when they come to the doorstep to cross-check and get it verified, DC stated adding “But even if you don't do self-enumeration, field staff will come to your doorstep and enumeration will take place.”

“Now the main issue we wanted to flag to our citizens is- who is supposed to be enumerated in this house listing operation or in this census operation. The guideline says people or the citizens who are ordinarily residing here in Kohima should be enumerated and we will strictly follow that direction,” Buchem said

There are 8 operational census charges in Kohima district. It includes; Kohima Sadar, Kohima Sadar (Statutory town), Chiephobozou (Statutory town), Chiephobozou ( Rural), Sechu- Zubza, Jakhama, Botsa and Kezocha.

Myths vs realities on census
Sharing some of the myths and realities on census, Buchem said that the reality is that census data is collected strictly for demographic statistics only, adding that the Census Act strictly prohibits using this data for tax assessments.

“Another myth is if you register in Kohima you lose your indigenous rights or land rights in our native village. The reality is that census registration maps only residence. It doesn't talk about the land ownership or to which tribe you belong. Your customary rights in your respective native villages remain untouched,” DC stated.

He said that the individual data is entirely confidential. It is aggregated into macro data before publication. “No single person's details can be legally accessed by outside agencies,” he stated.

Also touching on myth that inconsistent growth rates in local data do not affect development, DC stated “The reality is that discrepancies in previous records hurt the state's resource planning. An accurate 2027 digital census ensures that Kohima district receives its fair share and exact share of government welfare fund, infrastructure projects and administrative resources.”

On frequently asked questions -what if a family member is temporarily staying in another state during the census, he said “if they have been staying for more than six months, they will be counted at their place of study or the hostel or the place of residence wherever they are staying.” 

On “Can a house owner fill out the details of their tenant,” Buchem stated “The house owners cannot do it. The tenant has to do it himself or herself. It has to be done independently.” He said that if someone falsely or deliberately provides false data, it constitutes an offence under Section 11 of the Census Act of 1948 which is liable for penalties or legal prosecution. In this, Kohima DC, who is also Principal Census Officer of Kohima, requested everyone to set aside any kind of misconception or false propaganda and provides a clean, accurate census to see that Kohima district gets a fair share of its rightful place in the area of development and other activities.

Advisories
Do’s
•    Do ensure an adult member is available to interact with the enumerator
•    Do to cooperate willingly with the visiting enumerator
•    Do provide accurate information regarding building use, family assets and utilities
•    Do ensure your house is properly numbered during HLO
•    Do use the self-enumeration portal if it is made available
•    Do verify the identity card of the census officials when they visit your home

Don’t
•    Don't harass or misbehave with field staff or enumerators
•    Don't allow double enumeration at two different locations
•    Don't hide information or purposefully provide false data
•    Don't panic about data leakages because the HLO app is secure and the data is fully encrypted
•    Don't double- count individuals who are temporarily staying elsewhere
•    Don't obstruct any designated government officials while executing their work
•    Don't request for inspection of census records