Shillong: Every individual residing in the state must be counted during the ongoing census operation, Meghalaya chief secretary Shakil P Ahammed said, stressing the importance of comprehensive population data for inclusive development and the effective implementation of govt welfare schemes.He was speaking at a training conference for principal census officers on Phase II, or Population Enumeration, of Census 2027 at State Guest House Taraghar in Shillong on Thursday. The conference aimed to strengthen operational preparedness, coordination and public awareness ahead of the enumeration exercise.Highlighting Meghalaya’s geographical diversity, predominantly rural settlements and tribal population, Ahammed said these factors posed 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 govt programmes.He urged officers to publicise the census and explain its importance to the public to 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.Emphasising that the census was “far more than a headcount”, Ahammed said reliable demographic and socio-economic data would help govt 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.Pooja Pandey, the state nodal officer for the census, highlighted the role of technology in the digital census, saying it would facilitate data compilation while improving accuracy and security.Vrushali Abhijit Warade, deputy registrar general in the office of the registrar general and census commissioner under Union ministry of home affairs, told participants that the central govt would provide financial and technical assistance to the state to conduct the exercise.
