States » EastPosted at: Oct 29 2026 9:59PM


Census data vital for Meghalaya's $10-bn economy ambition, says Chief Secretary Ahammed

Shillong, Oct 29 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed on Thursday underscored the critical need for comprehensive population data to drive inclusive growth and streamline the execution of welfare schemes.
Addressing a State-Level Training Conference of Principal Census Officers and senior officers on Phase II (Population Enumeration) of Census 2027, Ahammed emphasised that accurate demographic metrics form the bedrock of equitable development. He also directed census officers to ensure total coverage in the upcoming exercise.
The conference aimed to strengthen operational preparedness, coordination, and public awareness ahead of the enumeration exercise.
Noting that the census is far more than a mere headcount, Ahammed said that reliable demographic and socio-economic data is pivotal for identifying critical gaps across key sectors, including healthcare, education, social welfare, road connectivity, and digital infrastructure.
He added that the demographic data will serve as a cornerstone for Meghalaya’s Vision 2032 development roadmap, providing a baseline to track the state's progress toward achieving the UN 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.
Ahammed 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.
Urging 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 Meghalaya pursues its ambition of building a $10-billion economy and subsequently a $16-billion economy, such information would be crucial for long-term economic planning and attracting private investment,” the Chief Secretary said.
Ahammed commended the State Nodal Officer, officials from 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.
Meghalaya 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.
Deputy Registrar General at the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Vrushali Abhijit Warade, informed participants that the Central Government would provide financial and technical assistance to the state for conducting the exercise.
The sessions covered enumeration procedures, the identification of persons to be counted, census questions, relevant provisions of the Census Act and Rules, and applicable circulars and guidelines.
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Tags: #Census data vital for Meghalaya's $10-bn economy ambition# says Chief Secretary Ahammed
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