Census 2027 to Enumerate Refugees and IDPs in Mizoram
Census officials in Aizawl have announced that the upcoming Census 2027 will include not only permanent residents of Mizoram but also refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as internally displaced people (IDPs) from Manipur who are currently sheltering in the state. This decision marks a significant step in ensuring a comprehensive population count amid ongoing regional turmoil.
Scope of Inclusion and Current Numbers
According to officials, the census will cover nearly 30,000 refugees from Myanmar, over 2,000 refugees from Bangladesh, and more than 7,000 IDPs from Manipur. These individuals have sought refuge in Mizoram due to political and ethnic conflicts in their home countries and state, bringing the total to approximately 39,000 people to be enumerated.
Officials emphasized that inclusion in the census is based solely on residence at the time of enumeration, not on citizenship status. They stated, "This is an exercise for counting people living at this time within the country, and we will undertake enumeration even in the relief camps." This approach ensures that all individuals, regardless of their legal status, are accounted for in the national data.
Rationale Behind the Decision
The inclusion of refugees and IDPs is driven by practical considerations, as they are currently sharing public utilities with permanent residents. Officials noted that these groups are utilizing water supply, electricity, and other infrastructure, necessitating their inclusion in Census 2027 to accurately reflect resource usage and planning needs in Mizoram.
Self-Enumeration Progress
In related developments, over 10,400 people registered themselves during the self-enumeration exercise, which concluded recently. This preliminary step highlights the ongoing efforts to streamline data collection and ensure broad participation in the census process.
The officials involved in this initiative are from the directorate of census operations and the state nodal department, specifically the general administration department (GAD). Their collaborative work aims to uphold the integrity and comprehensiveness of Census 2027, setting a precedent for inclusive demographic accounting in India.
