Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio warns people against multiple entries in the 2026–27 Census, saying inaccurate data could disrupt Aadhaar, banking and other services.
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KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday warned that people making multiple entries in the upcoming 2026–27 census would face consequences, including possible disruption of services linked to identification systems.
Replying to a starred question raised by MLA Nuklutoshi during the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio said the state must ensure an accurate census this time and urged the public not to repeat practices that distorted earlier population figures.
Referring to past census figures, Rio said the 2001 Census recorded an abnormal decadal growth rate of 64.58% in Nagaland, compared with the national average of around 20%, with some districts showing growth rates of over 100%.
However, he said the 2011 Census recorded a negative decadal growth rate of –0.58% after it was conducted with the involvement of civil society organisations.
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Rio said the absence of reliable population data had made planning difficult for the government.
Explaining the proliferation of schools in the state, he said that following the passage of the Right to Education Act, schools were created based on population figures reflected in the 2001 Census. Teachers were appointed accordingly.
He said the central government later wrote to the state within two years, pointing out cases where schools had single-digit enrolment or no students, which he said reflected the seriousness of inflated census figures.
Rio said the School Education department, with the support of the cabinet, has been holding repeated reviews, setting up committees and undertaking scrutiny, readjustment and redeployment of teachers.
Stressing the importance of the upcoming census, he said the state government would hold a full-day discussion on the issue on March 11.
He said future systems such as Aadhaar and banking services would increasingly rely on biometric verification.
“Therefore, if we make our multiple entries of census, there will be a time when you are found that you have multiple entries, you will face consequences. Your bank account will not function, your ration card, driving licence and all your system will fail,” Rio warned.
He also urged legislators to raise awareness in their constituencies and involve district planning boards, civil society organisations, churches and community leaders to ensure a more accurate census.