First phase of Census 2011 concludes in Nagaland

The first phase of the arduous census 2011 in Nagaland is finally over. The department of Census and all government employees involved in the exercise have put in painstaking efforts to bring out a correct census.

Although confronted with multiple problems during the first phase, the department is already gearing up for the second phase which will begin February next year. In the meantime, data for the National Population Register (NPR) will be scanned for the bio-metrics by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi, after being dispatched. The process of scanning the NPR sheets will start by August.

The first phase of census which began on June 1 was not without hurdles. This was the first time such a heavy exercise was being conducted. Data collection for the NPR was introduced for the first time, making it harder for enumerators and supervisors to conduct the exercise. ‘Master trainers’ were introduced to train the enumerators and supervisors on data collection. Community monitors drawn from various tribal organisations were also appointed to assist during campaigns and to spread awareness.

During the census operations, the department confronted cases of population inflation and attempts to increase the number of households. There were reports of highly inflated figures from several pockets of the state. There were also reports of diktats from some village functionaries to citizens living in towns, to enumerate in their respective villages. As a result, under-enumeration was reported from small towns and district headquarters. In this regard, the department has expressed fear of a demographic change. There was also confusion about the census with the electoral – as the electoral revision was conducted around the same time. In some areas, trainings had to be reconducted because enumerators were confused about the proper use of NPR sheets. Apart from few stray incidents, enumerations were generally carried out smoothly. Nodal officers were posted in all districts to assess the situation. Further, the department has taken all corrective measures possible in areas that reported inflation and increase in household numbers.

Despite the hurdles, the Director of Census Operation, Hekali Zhimomi has expressed optimism and satisfaction in the first phase of the census. She said the department is already gearing up for the second phase. The second phase is slated for February 9 to 28, 2011. It will be followed by revision (to include death and birth) on April, followed by the bio-metrics.