Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Okram Ibobi Singh on Saturday urged the Center to postpone the next census exercise in Manipur until full normalcy is restored, citing concerns over data accuracy and logistical challenges amid the ongoing crisis.
Warning that flawed data could negatively impact development planning and governance, Ibobi, who is also a former Manipur chief minister, said the census is a crucial national exercise and must produce reliable and accurate statistical data.
Referring to earlier census operations, he said the 2001 census, conducted during the tenure of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre, continued to influence policy decisions until 2011. However, he claimed that discrepancies in population data had led to “unnatural demarcation of boundaries” in some areas.
“While national population growth averaged about 24 percent, some regions recorded disproportionate increases, raising serious concerns,” he said.
He also highlighted the logistical challenges facing conducting the census in the current situation, referring to internally displaced people and people living in relief camps. He added: “With thousands displaced and more than 50,000 people affected by crisscross movements, it is unclear how the authorities will ensure an accurate count.”
