March 10, Kohima: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has emphasized the importance of an accurate census to support effective planning and policy in Nagaland.
Speaking in the ongoing Nagaland Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday, he highlighted the upcoming 2026-27 census, and cautioned that multiple entries could impact bank accounts, ration cards, and other official documentation.
Mr Rio also pointed out serious discrepancies in past census data, particularly those of 2001 and 2011.
He noted that during 2001, the state reported a grossly inflated decadal growth rate of over 64 percent, while in 2011, it recorded a negative growth rate. He said, the lack of reliable data had made planning difficult for the government.
He urged legislators to raise awareness in their constituencies and involve district planning boards, civil societies, churches and community leaders to ensure a more accurate census.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government will hold a detailed discussion on the census on March 11.